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ON THE DAY WHEN SHE WAS BORN
Growing up…as her family celebrated her birthday…it did not matter where…
She always noticed her grandpa seemed to be the happiest person there.
On her birthday he would dance and sing…his voice would fill the space…
He would talk and laugh with everyone…and a smile never left his face.
One birthday, when she was older, she climbed into his lap,
“Grandfather.” She said. “There’s something I’d like to know…
What is it about my birthday…Why do you love it so?”
“Your birthday is so much more than just your birthday.” He smiled.
“I remember the day you arrived…it was in the early morn…
because everything in our world changed on the day when you were born.”
“You see, your mom and dad were only husband and wife…before there was a you…
And the day you graced us with your presence…your mother and father were born too.”
“As were a host of your aunts and uncles…and here’s a special treat…
born on that day were friends in life…you have yet to meet!”
“I suppose what brings me the most joy however…what brings a happy tear to my eye…
is that your grandmother was born on that day too…and, happily, so was I.”
“It’s magical how at the exact moment you were born…yes, right from the very start
born right along with you was a place inside our hearts.”
“A place that wasn’t there before you came…a place we never knew….
but from the moment you were born it’s a place we all reserved…for you.”
“Oh, I love celebrating you on your birthday…the people…the cake and ice cream too.
but I also love to celebrate all the births you brought with you.”
Her grandfather is not here to celebrate her birthdays anymore
but as her family gathers around to sing every year
she feels the same whim…
and gently places her hands upon her heart…
in the place reserved for him.
