"Gratitude of a Shared Life"

I'd had no plans for growing up
Not this year, anyway.
But then, of course, you intervened
And aged me all the same!

You made videos and ordered cake
I was indeed surprised --
Especially with the scrapbook
Which had photos and good will.

So here's my thanks to you in word
sFor that's what i do best:
I write my gratitude of you --
The smiles say all the rest.

Delight is but the briefest thought
Though i confess i was --
But love, God's love, goes far deeper
Than flickering feelings.

What can i say? Besides thank you.
Which isn't even half
Enough of what i ought to say
I try, but it's so though!

My growing up is not my milestone alone
It is also yours too!
The years you've taught me, cared for me,
Rebuked, and trained me true.

Since I was young you raised me up
In both body and mind.
I doubt I'll be less grateful now, that
I can see, no longer blind.

You've seen me through my ups and downs --
My highs were yours also
And when i sank, you knew my pain
As only true friends would know.

Alas, your poem endeth here --
Though my memory does not
I thank God whene'er i think of you
And pray I'll ne'er forget.