Me: It’s Faye’s birthday today.
Nell: I know.
Me: You aren’t waiting for her, are you? She won’t be visiting us from Germany until July.
Nell: I’m aware of that. I’ve written a poem and was just running it past David.
Me: Could you run it past all of us?
Nell: Would you like to hear it now?
Me: Very much.
Nell: My pleasure. I have included Jonathan Sky as big brothers need to be mentioned too at times like these.
Me: Yes, they do.
Nell: The carrot was David’s idea.
Me: Okay.
Nell: ‘Jonathan Sky is FaceTiming with Granny,
‘Granny,’ he says, says he,
‘My little sister Faye has a birthday today
So I need you to celebrate with me.’
‘Shall I fetch Grandpa?’ Granny asks Jonathan,
‘And Nell and the others too?
And a cake and balloons
And some birthday type tunes
And a carrot for David to chew?’
‘How old is Fayely today by the way?’
Asks Grandpa from his favourite chair.
‘I’ve a feeling she’s 3 but it might just be me.
Is that ice cream in Fayely’s long hair?’
‘I really don’t know’ Jonathan said,
‘Now it’s time for a birthday song.
And if it’s ice cream,
And I’m not saying it is,
On your birthday you can do no wrong.’
Everyone nodded and put on their hats
And sang to the sky above,
‘Happy Birthday darling Faye
You are 3 years old today
And surrounded by happiness
And love.’
Me: That’s perfect, Nell, thank you. I’m sure the children will love it.
Nell: It’s not long before you see them again.
Me: 45 days to be exact.
Nell: Not that you’re counting or updating it on big numbers on the whiteboard.
Me: Am I being silly?
Nell: No, you’re being Granny.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
‘
