A teen's ode to her guardian angel

Hearing of your mistakes reminds me that I'm forgiven.

Getting the knowledge that mistakes aren't meant to be made leads me to do the right thing.

Watching you suffer only teaches me to try harder, as does watching you cry. Every tear from your tender face brings fierce pain upon me.

Just know your faithful doings and your heart-filled teachings changed my life forevermore. I'm full of despair, but still standing here.

My weakening knees are awakened by your last few breaths of presence. You show me what life is about. Messing up to fix your messes, staying strong to show the possibilities, standing up for what you know is right, and of course … just how important shopping really is!

You taught me when to laugh and cry and how to smile when I'm down. Please don't leave me here without you. You are the shoulder to my crooked life outside of my home.

For a better place is where you'll be; one day I will too, but the difference is knowing the separation in between. How do I live without a teacher, guidance, a councilor, a best friend, and a sissy in the eyes of God? That all wraps up into one special word: Grandmother, Nana.

Life impacting; life changing, those people will remain. She's in my heart forever, in my tear droplets for now. Let the rain pour if that's what it takes to ease the pain.

I'm losing the woman who taught me how to get out of this problem. I pray as I hope, for all to return again to normal.