ask grandma j

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL
...even if it was yesterday


Kelly Michelle, you were born on June 28, thirty-seven years ago. You were the cute little toddler girl that was affectionately known as "Termite". A good friend of ours started calling you that when you could barely walk. You spent the night at their house, and climbed out of bed very early and completely dis-assembled a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle that he had just finished putting together. So with much frustration in his voice he said, "She's small but destructive, just like a termite". And the nickname struck.

You came into this world way too small. Barely two pounds, and stayed in neonatal intensive care for four months. Then you came home needing oxygen constantly. You ate every hour, because sucking wore you out, and you'd fall asleep. After one year, we couldn't keep you down, and eventually it was apparent that you were way too feisty for oxygen! You were always tiny but nothing could keep you down or in!

Even though you were petite, you played varsity soccer all four years in high school. You also excelled in recreational leagues as well.

You were the best natured little girl, you still are. You are the most independent of all my girls. I'm sure some will disagree, but you left home, traveling to Albuquerque. You landed a great job, then within a couple of years, you applied for a promotional opportunity in Denver, and jumped at the chance to take it.

You married a great guy, and have two adorable boys. My sweet grandsons, Tyler and Zachy. ....who are very, very tired in this picture.
You unselfishly decided to make a career change, for much less money, working in the counseling office at a private boy's high school to insure the future educational opportunities for your own two boys. You love your job, and the students that attend the school. A girls division opened on the same campus (but separate), and you took on the additional job of coaching soccer there, and you love it.

So, Kelly, even though I tell you often how much I love you, I want to publicly tell you again how special you are, and how proud I am of you, the woman you've become and the mother that you are to your boys.

Happy Birthday, baby girl!

I really wanted to scan some pictures of you as a baby and kidlet, but my scanner froze up...that's why this is a day late.