Like You.

As a child I never understood,
the missing link between us.
I tried to get your attention,
but I never seemed to do enough.

The only attention I could gain,
was anger that caused my emotional pain.
I wanted only to be closer to you,
to feel that unique and special bond.

Now that I am older,
I'm beginning to understand.
As I grew I learned,
I learned from and about you.

How to read your emotions,
how to make you smile.
How to be stronger,
and how I wanted to be as an adult.

I can't even begin to explain,
the numerous things I've learned from you.
But I can say that it's helped me,
helped me learn how to love you for you.

I learned that we are similar,
in so many different ways.
But today I still walk in your shadow,
reaching out for your hand.

I keep hoping that someday,
I'll be able to stand beside you.
That I can make you proud of me,
that I can strengthen our bond.

Distance has made us closer,
and closer and closer we grow.
I can only grow to love you more,
and increase my desire to be like you.

I want to be like you,
as smart, dedicated, and strong.
I want to be as helpful and compassionate,
Mom, I want to be like you.