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Phoebe is 25!

Sunday, July 11, 2021

It's all here, waiting for you, my dear. The Three Graces are watching, shading their eyes against the sun, watching for your car to come around the sharp curve.


                The barn swallows are waiting, standing on the picnic table, watching out the driveway.



Fak is in his crack, waiting for the familiar fall of red hair, the smiling face that means Phoebe is home! 





The indigo bunting watches from the post Daddy put up so many years ago. He sings to while the time away. 



Curtis waits breathlessly. Will she still remember me? 



Is she ready for cur kisses?


Your beautiful brother awaits his best friend and sister, rolled in one.



The house, scrubbed to within an inch of its life, is waiting, too, and the butterfly weed is at peak. 
Calling all fritillaries to gather around for the birthday girl!


 The flamingos were hung by the tractor with care, in hope that Young Phoebala soon would be there. Out on the lawn they'll go for your birthday dinner!


You've been so very far away, halfway 'round the world, in landscapes so strange, rugged and beautiful.



Visiting your true love, hoping to be together for good soon.


You've sent pictures home that made our hearts glad.


It's been one heck of a summer. Who has a summer like this? Only you! The rest of us are home, mowing our lawns, pulling weeds, and drinking lemonade.


Wherever you end up, I hope you're not too far from the sea.
You don't want to keep a mermaid, schooled in oceanography, from her element. 


Or, for that matter, a merman! May you be together for good, and soon!


I wish Oscar could come to your party. I'd tell him to bring a sixpack.
On second thought, we could use a case of that. He is a man of substance, soul, skill and kindness. 
And please bring the sweet pooch Arafo! We miss him too!


I love how you keep your heart just for him, locked away, safe
but ever open to the charge of nature, which always restores.



All this is to say I'm in awe of you, honey. The way you navigate your life is something to behold. The choices you make, the way your forge off on your own path. Your sense of place, and the way you fully inhabit a place, finding everything to love about it.

 I can't wait to see what your life's next chapters will hold. 
You do your dad proud with your logistical mind, and your drive to excel.

In work and life, always doing more than is called for 
makes doors fly open whenever you knock.

We're waiting for you, back on the farm


The beauty farm, the place where you became you


Beautiful, with-it, Apgar 10-scoring you.


Oh, what 25 years will do.


Now you're home, and you've checked in to the spa where all you have to do is eat, sleep, love, laugh, and drink it all in. It's been one heck of a journey from North Carolina to Atlanta to Boston to Lisbon to Tenerife to La Gomera and back. 



Happy birthday, sweet Phoebe. Love, Mai

 

8 comments:

Seeing her through your eyes makes us all worry for her and laugh with her, her internet aunties and uncles. She's a blessing. Happy birthday, Phoebe.

Happy birthday, Phoebe. I haven't met you, but I know from first hand experience, having an adventuresome, traveling, bright as can be, sometimes too far away, loving daughter is one of the best things in the world.

Oh, and I should add--with red hair also! (Or as the Brits would sayy--ginger.)

What a beautiful loving post to your wonderful smart talented amazing daughter Phoebe on her 25th birthday. So much love, so much love. Happy birthday, Phoebe!!

Posted by Anonymous July 11, 2021 at 12:31 PM

Ohh my Julie, you sure know how to make grown men (and every other reader) cry! What a tribute... and so well deserved!

Out of all of the names I could choose, I picked “Phoebe” for my cat I got 13yrs ago… so there’s something to be said about that-not sure what! 😉 Happy Birthday Phoebe!! 💗

What a tribute to your lovely and accomplished daughter. So glad you can enjoy time together as a family. Many birthday wishes and prayers for a blessed year ahead for all of you.

I’m not sure there could be a better birthday present than this. Making a mother proud and having it articulated is more than any soul could want. Happy belated Phoebe!

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