thank you for being the you that you were
from the me that needed the you that you were
and if the you that you are is not the you that you were
the me that I am still has that heartfelt gratitude
for being the person that made me a better person
and I could wax onwards and upwards
using simile and synechdoche
to praise and emphasize the profundity of your influence
but I find what befits my personality more
is a humble and sombering thank you