Tic, tic, tic, a sound we've all heard
Your whole life it seems, their presence
sometimes a comforting sound

No longer, this last ones the worst
To hear the pain it's causing you
makes my heart bleed and hurt

Tic, tic, tic, a sound, God's joke?
Your brain a mystery, your smile
laughter, a gift to help us through

Hours we've spent in discussion
about the why and the hows
Therapy, meds all tried in your life

School passed, twice you gave up
We saved you, knew there was more
Trying again, you trained to help others

A proud EMT, on calls no tic is ever heard
Off to college to spread your wings
Worried, proud, we hugged you goodbye

Almost done, you still want to help
An advocate you're training to be
Derailed for a time, lost again in your brain

Your struggle, courage, humbles me
Easier to give in and up?
No, that's not okay for you

Fighting on you muddle through
This last tic, almost claimed you
Robbing the world, surely not fair

On you march, doctors help
Smiles, laugh, all back and returned
Summer looks bright for you this year

I know you're a man
but to me, you're my life
Welcome home for awhile

Rest, enjoy, work, have some fun
You've earned it, paid for it dearly
Heal, help and then be on your way

Soon we'll say our goodbyes
The world is better somehow
with you in it. About that, I could never lie