We laughed and we smiled from that moment on,
I introduced you to my world and with me you shared yours.
Families, routines, careers, painting houses and such,
no subject taboo between me and you.

Then one day you asked for my help,
you were building a site, needed someone to try it.
You'd built it as part of a project and dream --
and with that you the first planted the tiniest seed.

You gave me a challenge, "There's something you need!
Spread your wings, you can soar!
Your thoughts, your dreams, you've so much to share!
Here in this place YOU can do so much more!"

So, gently you led me to this place on the net,
where dreams can be found, deepest thoughts verbalized.
You prodded to think, challenged to learn.
No goal was too lofty, you idealized....

Little by little you showed me my gifts,
through gif's, jpg's, fonts, colors, and spacing,
lessons in ftp, sambar, file uploads and more.
So much to be learned, I'm surprised you weren't pacing!

The days, the hours, and the mochas we shared!
You patiently led me into a world then unknown!
We laughed and we joked through frustrations and errs,
knowing it would all be 'just right' before going 'home'.

I remember the morning, when I needed a respite,
you placed me up on your shoulder,
and went about making breakfast!
Your heart open-wide you allowed me to talk
of things hurtful, of losses, many far in my past.

You were more than Professor and Mentor to me;
your talks of your family, sharing a loss here in mine;
no matter how briefly we talked, I always knew,
there were very few friends any better than you.

Your time here is over, you've left us for now.
So many memories you left here behind.
My Mentor.... Professor....,
Hero... and Friend...,
You'll not be forgotten, from now till the end!