a way with words

I love my kiddos. They are the most wonderful daughters in the world. I am so blessed to have two beautiful girls who are the best of friends. I know that Kennedy came to our family to be Reagan's biggest supporter. And likewise, Reagan is Kennedy's biggest encourager and friend. While I was thinking about the miracle that Reagan is, I re-read the poem my dear brother wrote for Reagan a couple days after she was born. It always makes me cry as the memories flood back in. For those of you who have never read it, here are his beautiful words:

shaping this, my life, in your sleep

for reagan mackenzie
from her uncle
september 15 2006

though we place the oil

it is you who anoints

the fingers of your father

tracing circles on your forehead

his fingers paddling toward the smile

already given

only for a daddy

.

three minutes

i wash my hands clean before you

then join your father and his father

- an uncle in tears

.

how do two days pass?

yet to hold you my first reach is this:

.

three awkward hands

stretching at you praying

if they could do more

could shape

the will of your Father

.

no

.

only the fingers know

solemnly as they pull back

that will intact

- unknown but to you

.

looking at your smallness we want to explain

everything will turn out fine

while you're the only one to believe it

the only one whose forehead is untouched by wrinkles

your eyes devoid of baggage

.

i whisper i love you and back away while you reply

a silent testimony

stronger than mine,

- shaping mine in your sleep

.

i step on each piece of sterile tile

away

but confident to know you

once for each

tomorrow

- a tomorrow

your life has already changed

for good

.

Thanks Nick. We will always cherish this beautiful poem that sits beside Reagan's bed.