For Charlie ~ On His 14th Birthday

My wonderful nephew is growing up so fast - makes me sad and happy at the same time.  I wrote this and gave it to him last month on his birthday.  Writing this and watching his face as he read it meant a lot to me...and I think it meant a lot to him too. 

Artist: Peter Max

For Charlie ~ On His 14th Birthday

I see you

And, I’m proud.

Though, not always frequent

Or up close and personal

I see you

And I’m proud.

From early tow-headed toddler days

When all you needed was your ragged

“Peelow”.  Torn up from constant cuddles,

And daily affections –

To Cowboys and Madden obsessions.

Excelling in sports yourself, such strength,

Prowess in athletic and academia talent.

I see you now…

And, I’m proud.

Although, sad to see you grow,

Faster – too fast – year after year

You’re now a young man cub –

A young man with a future so dazzling

I’m thrilled for you, the thought makes me smile…

Because I see you

And, I’m proud.

  

With compassion, you look out for others

Protecting those around you –

With humor, you remain grounded,

Overcome challenges, lightening up drama –

With determined focus, you possess a maturity

Stronger than myself, at age 14.

I know this because

I see you

And, I’m proud.

My wish for you on this day,

This year - your 14^th birthday, is this:

Celebrate the YOU yesterday and today -

Celebrate the YOU yet to come.

Be proud of yourself, embrace the gift that is YOU –

So deserved, earned over the years –

See yourself then, now, and tomorrow

And, be proud!

For Charlie ~ On His 14th Birthday

My wonderful nephew is growing up so fast - makes me sad and happy at the same time.  I wrote this and gave it to him last month on his birthday.  Writing this and watching his face as he read it meant a lot to me...and I think it meant a lot to him too. 

Artist: Peter Max

For Charlie ~ On His 14th Birthday

I see you

And, I’m proud.

Though, not always frequent

Or up close and personal

I see you

And I’m proud.

From early tow-headed toddler days

When all you needed was your ragged

“Peelow”.  Torn up from constant cuddles,

And daily affections –

To Cowboys and Madden obsessions.

Excelling in sports yourself, such strength,

Prowess in athletic and academia talent.

I see you now…

And, I’m proud.

Although, sad to see you grow,

Faster – too fast – year after year

You’re now a young man cub –

A young man with a future so dazzling

I’m thrilled for you, the thought makes me smile…

Because I see you

And, I’m proud.

  

With compassion, you look out for others

Protecting those around you –

With humor, you remain grounded,

Overcome challenges, lightening up drama –

With determined focus, you possess a maturity

Stronger than myself, at age 14.

I know this because

I see you

And, I’m proud.

My wish for you on this day,

This year - your 14^th birthday, is this:

Celebrate the YOU yesterday and today -

Celebrate the YOU yet to come.

Be proud of yourself, embrace the gift that is YOU –

So deserved, earned over the years –

See yourself then, now, and tomorrow

And, be proud!