Seventeen years ago today, I was only beginning to know the pleasure of the person we call "Bard." She was a gift, an amazing present, and I have treasured her daily. Her mind has always astounded me, from the way she memorized entire movies at four, to the way she began reading at an early age, to the way she always uncomplainingly gives her time to accomplish family goals. She's driven and motivated, does her learning entirely on her own. She's beautiful, talented, intelligent and, most of all, very funny. I will continue to embrace every day with her as she grows closer to adulthood. God bless you, Bard. I know He has blessed me with you.
Drop by her xanga to wish her a happy birthday, if you like. If you can, tell her what you remember about being seventeen, what you worried about, what you thought about. It will be very helpful to her on this birthday that she's really not all that thrilled about having.
