The following poem, I baked a cake today, was written in 2009. I wrote it for our daughter Mandy when we celebrated one of her last birthdays in Africa. How the years have flown! Reflecting on baking her cakes over the years, I’m grateful for the season she was only ours. Now, we share her with the rest of the world as she’s married and building her own family. I wish I could bake her a cake today.
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I baked a cake for my baby today
Her friends came over, and everyone was set to play
Barbies, baby dolls, and gifts all around
Balloons were popping, and children were singing
Her daddy turned to me and said
“This was a good day.”
I baked a cake for my girl today
She had friends over for the night
They had a talent show and sang for us
More gifts and little girl things
I hugged her tight as she climbed the stairs, and she said,
“Thanks, Mommy, for this fun day!”
I baked a cake for my daughter today
Her friends came to “hang around”
Barbies and toys gave way to music and dance
No more little girl things on this day
She forgot to hug me, running to the room with her friends
Thank you, God, for another birthday!
I baked a cake for Mandy today
Chocolate and peanut butter are the flavors of choice
Gifts for the baby grown tall
Bittersweet feelings surround us all
Hug me, baby, as you go on your way
For God’s gift to me was you – on your birthday.
18 April 2009
To Mandy from Mom
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