farmdoc's blog post number 574

Ralph McTell is an English singer songwriter. His most famous song is Streets of London. He wrote it when he was aged in his early 20s. Now aged 64, he’s not written anything better. So he peaked early. Today’s the ninth birthday of my darling oldest granddaughter – Indigo. As I sat down to write today’s post, the first thing I did was to read this post I wrote exactly a year ago – on Indi’s eighth birthday. And not only is each word I wrote then true today, but I can’t improve on it. So I peaked early. Just like Ralph. That’s not to say Indi means the same to me today as she did a year ago. As each day passes, I love her more dearly. And even though we live over 600km from each other, I feel like the bond between us grows stronger. Her triumphs are my triumphs, and her disappointments are my disappointments. My heart melts when she sees me, beams a smile at me, and runs into my arms. And these days, speaking with her on the phone is a real conversation. At the age of nine years, Indi has established a special, indeed unique, place in our family. It’s hard for me to believe I have a 9-year-old grandchild. But I have one. And I’m so overjoyed she’s Indigo Ulman Eisner. Happy birthday to you, darling Indi.