Paula at times, refers to Holley as my Mini-Me, even going as far as to call her “Clifferina”. Holley, because she is often pissed at me, doesn’t like to admit this, even though we are in many ways more alike than we are different. Regardless, no one should argue with the mother, and so help me in wishing Clifferina a Happy Birthday. She is 34 today.
Holley was born on 11/30/1985 and I was officially introduced to her on 3/19/1989. At that point in time she would have been 1205 days old. Today marks her 12,418th day here on the planet. So, by my calculation, Holley has a been a part of my life for 90.3 % of her own. Though this is a lot and always increasing, it is not enough. At least for me anyways.
In my opinion little girls are more special than little boys. I am not sure why I think this, but I am certain it has something to do with the simple fact that they are not little boys, the likes of which I was once one. Snips and snails and puppy dogs tails be damned, Give me the sugar and spice and everything nice.
90.3 % of anything is a lot, but what did I miss in the other 9.7%? When we first met, Pooter (to Adam’s Rooter), was young enough for me to have now witnessed and been a part of most everything that we tend to mark in one’s life journey. Birthdays, graduations, etc. are that of which I speak. These events tend to punctuate the memories but for me it has been the totality instead. The evolvement from the wee one to the remarkable young lady I believe her to be today.
I hold on to memories in every manner I can. Through notes, through pictures, through items that most might think as junk. I have them tucked everywhere. What is the point of having a memory if you don’t mine it? This is not done as a selfish thing on my part but is instead done to remind me of the importance someone has played in my own journey. With children there are so many moments that without reminders, much would be lost through the passing of time.
So, as I rummage through my thoughts now, both the good and bad are hearkened. By any measure the former out-weigh the latter and though memories I have in abundance, I still long for the times that I was absent, the 9.7%. In this respect, I am nothing but selfish. Such is the love I have for her today. Such is the wonder I have always felt since that time 11,213 days ago.
It remains to be seen who pisses who off first this birthday weekend. My money is on me and it is just as likely to be done so out of pure menace as much as anything. Such is my love for her. Besides, her mother did all of the birthday shopping and I have to give her something.
Happy Birthday, Pooter!
Feel the Burg 