To Mara on her First Birthday

There you were

what seems like a lifetime ago

firsts clenched

eyes closed

intent on shutting out 

this strange event

we call

life

ah

but only for a moment

and then

being who you are

you embraced the moment

each moment

with 

joy

I know your mother

and "Da"

named you Mara

but Joy would not have been a bad choice either

Oh you have your moments

or so your mother says

when life does not go your way

 

there is that smile

that jaunty walk

(You started walking at 9 months)

 that ever present "binky"

there are those purple sunglasses

worn with

style

along with other accessories

that only a creative genius

such as yourself

could devise

 

 

 

 

it has been a year of growth

and change

of sleepless nights

and rashes

of trips made

and grandparents enthralled

there have been hikes

and trips to the zoo (you mostly slept)

and baseball games too

 

and through it all

you have been

the ever

changing

YOU

 

 Happy Birthday Mara