This is for all the early morning tea,
and especially all the late night beers.
This is for the one to many phone calls
to help dry out every last tear.

For your heart is soft
while your shoulders stay strong.
Comforting and consoling
when life does us all wrong.

This is for the gentle nod
when we walk through the door.
And this is for the hard kick to the rear
when we keep going back for more.

How do your needs stay unmet?
No attention paid at all.
Yet you're calming to a short fuse
and give the confidence to stand tall.

This is for the rescue from
the days that tend to drag on and on.
This is for the company when for 
whatever reason we seem to fear the dawn.

And still you march through your days
like each one is your last.
Always putting your head up first
regardless of the past.

This is for the lost souls that
you so gracefully guide back to shore.
This is for the new found respect,
for with everyday that passes we love you more.

Your name says it all,
a priceless gem of desire so rare.
If your friendship had a reward,
you would find yourself a millionaire.

This is for ones who no longer
have the voice to truly say "Ruby, I thank you".
So in honor we stand in front, next and behind
during this deeper shade of blue.