To my grandchildren

Jacob, August, and Audrey

You are the brightest stars in the night sky,
each of you glittering, shining points of sparkling light.

In the black vaulted dome of night,
I see you smiling and laughing joyfully with each other,
warming the deepest heart of me.

Together, you are the strong, steady light of true north,
each one of you close to the admiring heart of me.

At the instant flare of first light,
you are the splatter of brilliant luminous color, awakened by the dawn.

In the early morning rain,
you are the onrushing energy of a turbulent mountain stream,
splashing and bubbling over smooth, slippery stones that are millions of years ancient.

In the gathering morning light,
you are the churning white water of a great thundering waterfall,
crashing and roaring in rising towers of windswept mist.

In the blazing bright sunshine,
you are the deep strength of a great river,
flowing with power and splendor
through an immense rippling carpet of tall gusty prairie grass.

In the early morning light,
you are splashes of brilliant wildflowers,
bending and swaying in the meadow, waving to the wind, laughing in the sunshine,
skipping and dancing to the far horizon.

Like the first humans who ventured onto the great plains of North America,
you are the spirit of brave independence that calls and pulls you happily
into the vast expanse of a whole new world.

All the spectacular wonders of earth and sky shout for joy,
proclaiming their praise to the Maker of All Things.

In the blazing bright sunshine,
admiration and love floods through my spirit,
proclaiming my joy to the Maker for His gift of my grandchildren to me.

I am inadequate to express the majesty of so great a gift.

Blessings to you,
and to everyone you love,
and to everyone who loves you.
We are many.