Our Youngest Turns 26

I’m so glad you came to be with us.
There is so much I treasure about you–
your vehement take on things,
your enthusiasm for obscure projects,
your delight in teaching physics well,
your glee expressed so often,
your eclectic fashion,
dressy in some ways,
rumpled in others,
your free spirit,
your creative mindset,
your follow-through educationally,
your capacity for perception,
your astute observations,
your intuitive problem solving,
your love of the rural,
your pattern designing,
your ink making,
your mentoring of younger women,
your interest in equality and justice,
your quilted book binding,
your remarkable sewing,
your sock darning,
your copious reading,
your braided crown,
your high level math abilities,
your intricate beading,
your avid bath taking,
your unapologetic nature,
your sassy dragon essence,
your willingness to be unique,
your secure attitude,
your steadfast sobriety,
your frank, direct speech,
your atypical self care,
your love of fleece blankets,
your fervent independence,
your financial solvency,
your budgetary steadfastness,
your desire to own land,
your filming from a rocking chair,
your tea drinking in your nook,
your belief that things will work out,
your work/life balance,
your need to breathe fresh air,
your thriving on morning light,
your taking up the accordion,
your fluid piano compositions,
your YouTube channel,
your managing of expectations,
your honesty with yourself,
your staunch defense of your turf,
your clarity of thought,
your distinct boundaries,
your Scotia eyes,
your huggable crocodile,
your exploratory cooking,
your appreciation of me feeding you,
your generous, constant care of me,
your frequent phone calls…
The list goes on and on and on.
You are beyond-words terrific.
I’m so grateful and privileged
to have you as my friend.
Have a wonderful day and year!

by Polly Castor
2/13/23