This is my tribute to a man;
Who was like an old, green oak tree in the warm late months of summer.

He had arms like branches that embraced the world but understood that through love there will always be hardship.

He educated me in the fine art of growth;
Teaching me to never underestimate the strength of a seed.
It may be small and venerable;
But it has the ability to grow;
Even in the harshest of environments.

Although his roots grew in dark, hard soil;
This only stabilised his foundations and allowed him to grow in strength and stand tall against all odds;
Reflecting that it is not your past that defines you but the person you grow to be.

So yes;
This may be goodbye;
This may be farewell;
But please remember it was you who made me believe in myself.
It was you who made me realise that the world isn't such an awful place.
It was you who taught me how to grow.