Emily

The first three months,

sitting in your office

eating candy from a ridiculous orange couch

I didn't know your name. 

Then I couldn't imagine

how important to me you'd be. 

You helped a small, quiet, shy girl,

who couldn't speak up in a loud room,

who didn't believe she was strong

enough to face the world.

You helped her grow into a person 

you taught had a place in the world

that she was capable. 

That I was capable 

of having a life.

You helped me see

I can take on challenges,

I can pursue a career,

I'm worthy of appreciation and love

and I can find a place to belong. 

You helped me in ways

you'll never knew. 

And you weren't my teacher

or my mother 

or my relative, 

you were my mentor 

turned friend.