Shawn

I had you so young, Shawn, we grew up together

My first real love, facing down the weather

When you were just five and our family tore apart

You stayed with Pop and Granny, but you never left my heart

You were always my first thought, the only love I'd need

The very best surprise that I ever received

Now you're twenty-three, a husband and a Marine

The strongest, kindest man that I have ever seen

But when I look at you, I still see my little bubba

My pride and my joy, I could never love another

You'll never understand the respect and love I give

Shawn, you are the best thing I ever did

You talked about the uniform since you were only nine

I hoped it was a phase that you'd outgrow in time

But seventeen came fast, and you walked right through the door

With the papers in your hand, ready for the Corps

I picked up the pen with a lump inside my throat

It was the hardest signature that I ever wrote

Now you're twenty-three, a husband and a Marine

The strongest, kindest man that I have ever seen

But when I look at you, I still see my little bubba

My pride and my joy, I could never love another

You'll never understand the respect and love I give

Shawn, you are the best thing I ever did

When you lost your dad and Pop on the very same day

You came looking for a mother's love to chase the dark away

And six months later, when cancer took my Michael too

I don't know how I'd have survived if I didn't have you

Through the deepest grief, we held each other tight

You were my strength when I couldn't see the light

Now you're twenty-three, a husband and a Marine

The strongest, kindest man that I have ever seen

But when I look at you, I still see my little bubba

My pride and my joy, I could never love another

Even after I pass, my love for you will always live

Shawn, you are the best thing I ever did