You tied your shoes

together on your

first day of school, then

   fell flat on your face...

hey, but that's

the price of being cool.

You're teenage years,

lets just say, soon

became my biggest fear,

like the time you came

home with a safety pin

through your ear.

Then you grew

you're hair long

and colored it black,

such a flare for style

you never lacked.

You stood out in a crowd,

but usually that wasn't good

always trying to be different,

just because you could.

You kept us all entertained

every time you were near,

and you never went out

without bringing a mirror.

God blessed you with

compassion and a great

deal of charm, however,

you kept Him real busy

protecting you from harm.

With hard work and

determination you made

it through, and I wonder

if you have any idea just

how much we love you.

Many things have

changed, yet you still

stand out in a crowd,

   but this time...

I couldn't be more proud.