it's a hea-due birthday

{a poem for heather}

seems like only yesterday

a deep voice announced, "it's a girl!"

my feet did not touch mother-earth

for many days - i was in awe at the 'gift'

heavenly father had reached down and

placed in my life.

we did not have ultra-sound

to know 'who you were' before you came

but did my heart ever leap for joy

when your adorable small body 

lay close to mine.

a girl - just think of the possibilities

just think of the fun we would have

like the normal girly things

after having two boys who loved the boy-things

i could adjust, and adjust nicely!

you did not disappoint

with your brilliant toothy smile

your antics were unbelievable - joyful

i laughed so much, you were so funny

kind of 'clownish'.

time passes

and with the time you grew, explored and discovered

new and different things

and as always

new and different friends came and took you with them.

i would share - reluctantly

but i would do that for you, my friend

there were so many things that preoccupied your time

school, play, sports, music, boys . . .

oh no, this can't be happening and so soon - we haven't had 

enough time together - please wait - but that's not possible.

you were tough 

as only a sister with five brothers could be

tough as nails, yet tender, loving and sweet

i did not worry about you 

you knew the road you should take - i was at peace.

love, in the form of a kind, gentle soul

found his way to our doorstep

and i knew our time together would end

because he loved and you loved back

it was meant to be - and I accepted.

to share someone you care about so deeply

isn't an easy thing for a mother

my daughter, my friend - would you be okay

would i have to worry - no, not at all

go then, to your future - it's right there before you

go!

i love you, my hea-due - forever!

have a beautiful day

heather making people smile since 1974

luv, mom