Ryley, The Six Year Old

He has made everyone aware that today is his birthday. He is expecting an avalanche of Scooby Doo splattered gifts. His cake features a three dimensional Mystery Machine. He wants brown balloons, a latex and helium salute to the Greatest Great Dane ever (even if he is a bit of a scaredy cat). His day has arrived. Ryley is six.

Last night, when thinking of what today would bring, I remembered the poem by A.A. Milne entitled “The End” from Now We Are Six.

When I was One,
I had just begun.

When I was Two,
I was nearly new.

When I was Three,
I was hardly me.

When I was Four,
I was not much more.

When I was Five,
I was just alive.

But now I am six,
I’m as clever as clever

So I think I’ll be six now
Forever and ever.

I think it reflects the childhood belief that whatever age you are is the best age, ever. Next year, seven will be heaven, then eight will be great. Nine will be sublime and ten–well, ten is when the double-digits begin and that is a milestone in itself.

Happy Birthday to our Ryley. You may not always find joy in brown balloons and spaghetti birthday dinners. I will always find joy in remembering how you have chosen to celebrate your six amazing years.