Feliz Cumpleaños to Hailey Jean

Feliz Cumpleaños to Hailey Jean

August 5, 1988--

Our second miracle was born in Boise, Idaho.

I remember how beautiful she was

and how fast she grew.

You loved sports, from T-ball

to basketball to volleyball to tennis

and then on to speech and drama, your winning ways,

charming the crowds, living up to your billing…

Then off to BYU, your bedroom in Wyoming

finally clean, and I can see the floor once again,

but it was quiet, almost too quiet…..

Then, somehow, Joe slips into the picture,

quiet-like, woos you subtly, and suddenly

a ring appears and then 

marriage in the Timpanogas Temple.

Just like that.

Ah, then trials and tribulations, 

emerge on the horizon,
even slop over, spilling its challenges
over the side and into life….

It can be that way, sometimes.

Now, our baby Hailey is going to have a baby.

You have become so conscientious—

just the right pair of socks or onsies

or even an outfit for church.

You are so talented, so incredible.

You have grown, matured, have become

so focused on what needs to be done,

almost driven.

It’s wonderful to watch.

And those big blue eyes still flash brilliance

And warmth and depth and kindness…..

Although you are celebrating having a baby,

you are still my baby, my Hailey Jean.

I love you.

Hailey as Peter Cottontail

Speech and drama medals

Hailey working at McDonalds

Hailey, the Mime

Hailey, Laramie County Community College graduation

Two beautiful women, Hailey and Joanne

Hailey and Joseph, wedding day