weathered, treasured pages
lit twinkling lights
childhood has stages
measured in Christmas nights
rollicking, frolicking fire
child-led merrymaking
favorite book magnifier
for a mother’s heartbreaking
old family traditions
wee bit oversized
find new conditions
for love to crystalize
sharp scissors snip
trimming the top
recast as partnership
family love doesn’t stop
*Inspired by the family’s favorite Christmas book “Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree” and my need to learn flexibility as my son turns 18 this month.
Bridgette Tales 
Happy birthday to your son!
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Thanks, John. It’s at the end of the month. I’m still in denial I’ll have an adult child. It doesn’t feel real at all yet.
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Well… my son is 29 and my daughter is 31 so life goes on, Bridgette! My birthday is on the winter solstice.
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Yes, I’m just not ready yet!!! Happy early birthday! Any fun plans in the works?
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Thanks, Bridgette. ☺️ No plans at all since my family is all back east and I don’t have a girlfriend to party with so it’s another solo birthday.
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Hope you find a way to make it special!
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Just living another day and another year is plenty for me! So glad to be alive, Bridgette! ☺️
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I’m glad you are too! Your photos and comments always bring me so much joy.
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Aww, thank you so much, Bridgette! That makes me happy. ☺️❤️
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Lovely poetry write in words. Amazing words. Beautiful picture. I like. Nice Christmas Book.
” Happy Birthday to your 18th year son”!
Bod blessing!,, Bridgette 🌷.
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Thank you so much!
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I don’t know the book but your poem is delightful —
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Thank you. Our copy is from 1963 and we found it at a thrift store when my kids were small. If you want to see something terrible, google the title and watch a clip from a 1995 TV special version starring Robert Downey Jr. It’s simply awful! The book is far superior, as they usually are 🙂
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thanks Bridgette: I’m no big fan of Robert Downey Jr but will look around for the book; maybe my local library can chase it up 🙂
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Loved the poem
And such a special time of year
Your an amazing Mom and it shows within your children. I can’t Believe 18 already
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Thank you for saying so! You are always so kind. Yes…18! It’s insane. He’s far smarter and cooler than I ever was at his age 🙂
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First time I’ve heard of that Christmas book – your verses were marvellously heartwarming, Bridgette! Hope the birthday plans go smoothly alongside Christmas 🙂
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It’s such a sweet book! Thank you. It’s such a tricky birthday, right in the middle of Christmas and New Years. We try and make it special though.
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Happy Birthday to your 18 year old son this month . Thanks Anita 😀
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Thank you!
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Wow. Beautiful poem, dear Bridgette. 🥰🥰🥰♥️♥️♥️♥️
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Thank you 😊
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A delightful poem, Bridgette. Happy Birthday to your son. A milestone!
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Beautiful poem, Bridgette. Happy Birthday to your son!
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Thank you!
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A fun and poignant poem, Bridgette. I love the word choices, the wistfulness, and the new life. 🙂
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Thank you so much ❤️
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Delightful poem, Bridgette, and one I can relate to…Happy 18th to your son. 💞
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Thank you!
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Bridgette that poem says it how it is in the most charming way. Lovely.
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Oh, thank you ❤️❤️❤️
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Never heard of this book. It’s nice to have Christmas traditions to remember.
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It’s such a sweet tale of not taking more than you need.
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This is so lovely Bridgette! You’re a terrific person and mom ❤
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What a sweet comment! You’ve made my day.
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That’s so sweet and I like the poetry. It is pleasant and bittersweet.
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Thank you. Bittersweet is the right word.
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Beautifully bittersweet, Bridgette! My sons are both in their 20s now, and my heart still holds the memories and traditions from when they are young….I long for some of those days, but the new traditions we now creating are precious as well 💞💞💞 Hope he has a wonderful birthday!
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Thank you so much, Dawn. Your words give me hope we can make new beautiful traditions as both my kids grow and eventually leave the house. 18 is a big birthday! He doesn’t know what he wants to do 😂
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18 is huge! Maybe he just needs a reminder that he doesn’t have to have a plan for his entire life…just for the next step 😉
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So true! He’s a pretty chill kid but it doesn’t hurt to remind him!
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Truly wonderful 👌
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Thank you so much, Ana!
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Not discovered this one before. I’m glad I can’t sleep at 3am in the morning and discovered it thank you. 😊
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I’m glad you did too! Thank you 😊
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Sooo sweet!!! Thank You, Bridgette!!! 😊
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Thank you!!
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My pleasure! 💕
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Awww they grow up so quickly:) Happy December birthday to him and how special to have a favorite book of the family for Christmas time. Your poem said it beautifully:) 🎄
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Thank you! I haven’t made the teens sit down and read it with me yet, but it is happening 😂
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