I remember the Christmas when you were just three,
and you bounced down the steps with such boundless glee.
How your face lit up with a grin when you saw,
a Care Bears toy kitchen setting there in the hall.

I remember in an instant how tears replaced glee,
when a jolly old Santa you did not see.
Because somehow you thought that he would be there,
to give you your presents when you came down the stairs.

I remember other special times through the years,
some were filled with joy and some filled with tears.
Like when all by yourself you learned to jump rope,
or you brought me a toy that inexplicably had broke.

I remember the words when you began to talk,
and the Thanksgiving day that you started to walk.
And all the Easter egg hunts and the Halloweens,
but especially today, the day you turn thirteen.

Today you're a young lady and no longer a child,
but this doesn't mean you can start to run wild.
Now you remember as years pass in a whirl,
no matter your age you’re always my little girl.

@ 1995