“MY GIRL”

My dearest Lara-Karena, I can’t seem to let you go,
My daughter-in law. NO, my daughter-in-Love!
So wildly rugged, so beautifully feminine,
Too brilliant to fathom the workings of your gifted mind.
Yet your humility has brought you friendships
From many communities and cultures
Whose hearts you’ve wrapped into your own.

And that is where my heart is calling to tonight,
My dearest Lara-Karena, to your heart.
For you have captured me and I will never let you go.
You are my darling Lara.
Oh, I know I will have to say “goodbye”, but not yet.
The memories of you are too dear, the smells too fresh,
Your laughter too contagious, your beauty too wholesome,
And your nearness too comforting!

Lara, what a gift you are to the Kellogg family!
How proud we are to have you wear the name.
Chad pursued you for seven years, and then,
To our great joy, his life love you became.
Family times were always richer when you two came.
The stories and the drama of your adventures
Made ours look lame.

No matter the news reports, the e-mails, the blogs,
You are here, Lara-Karena.
I am holding you gently, tightly, to my heart!
And I have your birthday present right here…

Chad’s Mom,
Peggy Kellogg