Countdown…  1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9…

TEN!

Happy Birthday, double digits have arrived!  10 years of Emma Ann Clickman!

You’re an incredible young lady, and Grammy and I are so lucky to have you in our lives!  When I think of you on this special day, 10 thoughts come to mind, one for each year you’ve blessed us with your presence:

1.  thoughtfulness –  you’re so kind, considerate and caring.  You want to make people happy, and you do, with handwritten letters, artwork, questions, helping gestures and surprisingly concerned comments.

2.  aware, sharp, informed –  kids are in their own world most of the time, not listening and not on top of their surroundings, especially “the adult world.”  You’re an exception because of your amazing listening and observation skills.  You’re in the moment, paying attention to what’s going on around you.  Extremely unusual and one of your special traits.

3.  artistic abilities – so much talent, with a keen interest in painting, drawing, creating, shaping, imagining.  You could be a painter, sculptor, artist, Creative Director… who knows! The world is wide open to your talent.

4.  your look – “natural” is how I would describe you.  A clean, fresh, freckle-faced (just right) beauty.  You’re the kind of girl who will never have to wear makeup because you’re so pretty just the way you are.

5.  your personality –  easy going, drawing people into your world without working hard at it.  You can be low key and quiet or you can light up a room and bust loose with craziness.  All in one kid.

6.  your smarts –  your natural curiosity opens up a world of interests and an eagerness to learn.  I like how you’ll tell me about something you’ve learned or done, you’re so excited to share it.  I love that about you.

7.  athletic ability –  speaking of “natural,” that’s what you are on a field.  Whether it’s soccer or lacrosse or running, you do it gracefully, effortlessly.  I’m convinced you don’t realize how good you are at this point in your life, how much potential you have.  You could take over a game if you knew you had this in you and didn’t hold back a bit.  Even when you hold back, the potential is right there, it’s so obvious.   Someday you’re going to bust loose.

8.  helper –  you don’t ask, you do.  You’re like a little mother to Jack, jumping into situations and helping out your Mom and Dad.  You’ve always liked helping out around the house, the yard.  A byproduct of your kindness, thoughtfulness, awareness.

8.  entrepreneurial instincts –  whether it’s raising money for cancer at a yard sale (your idea) or saying to Grammy and me – ‘I made you a painting… if you give me $20, I’ll be able to buy some new paints, mine are all gone.”  How precious is that!  You don’t say it in an obnoxious way, but with a genuine, authentic, loving style.

9.  your style – you’ve never been a “girly girl” – that’s not your scene!  That look is a total turnoff for you and has been since you were a little girl in a dress at Christmas time (I wrote a blog about that life changing moment, check it out).  Comfortable clothes arewhat you’re about.  I bought you a surfer shop t-shirt this summer – one of those soft tees that hang easily and feel great – and it became an instant favorite.  Fleece?  A favorite of Emma Clickman.

10.  Patriots lover! –  I definitely think of the Patriots when I think of you.  You’re the most informed and interested of all our grandkids when it comes to the NFL, football and the Patriots.  You love ‘the Gronk,’ he makes you laugh!  You love watching the games. Can’t wait to bring you back to Gillette Stadium in December for their game against the Eagles (your third Pats game!)

Love you and happy birthday Emma.

P.S. this photo was taken on my birthday when you made me a tiny, fragile, hand-painted Patriots logo and even made the yellow paper box it went in. Your handwritten card said:   YOU ARE AWSOME PAPA!   Wow you run and jump and your sixty two.