[DanaC]

It's my eldest niece's 18th Birthday today. She's asked for money as she's saving. But I wanted to also get her a littl something she can keep. Then I thought....write a poem.

So here it is:

For Amelia on her 18th Birthday.

A is for all the things you’ve done.
The artists eye and acrobatic cartwheels in the living room.
M is for the cards you Made, the ones we’ve kept, the pictures saved.
And for all the madcap fun, the jokes and playfights in the sun.
E is for the evergreen, everlasting summer scene,
Evenings spent with trusted friends, hot tub parties, treehouse dens.
L is for the laughing eyes, lightning fists, your Daddy’s pride.
And for learning how to be your self.

I is for the innocent babe. Eighteen years ago this very day.
And for the inspired instigator, having fun with little sister,
In these altogether halcyon days.
And finally my dear, another A
For all the things you know we seldom say.
All the love and all the cherish, All the pride and all the relish,
All my wishes babe, along the way.