I Am From - 09.01.09

I am from long walls of photos,
From concerts, and weddings, and home sewn,
From cookie dough at midnight,
And watching Aladdin til dawn.

I am from Disneyland with family,
Little legs chasing after long,
Music in my ears.

I am from long talks with mom,
From walking and talking like dad.

I am from rise and sparkle mornings,
From lock the door and turn off the lights evenings.
Seven older siblings hugging and screaming,
Five sisters all in one mirror,

I am from a little bit, a lot, but not too much,
With so much to give and to hear.

I am from fingers flying,
Hearing them on piano keys,
Light as air.
 

The sounds of happiness and sadness,
The smells and tastes in the air,
This is where I am from.
Journals amongst my books,
And a box of pictures on the shelf,
All reminding me of what used to be there.

- Kimberly H. G. (16 years old)

Family - 08.10.09

Family; so complicated, confusing and rare,
Eight siblings, each with their own worry and care.
We grew up together, and we grew up apart,
This being so we each had a different start.
Christine; sweet and caring, always the motherly sister,
Gentle, artistic, and a great listener.
I was too little to really know who she was,
Older now I love who she is and all that she does.
Julie; a favorite to many, so amazing and fun,
Complicated yet wonderful 'til the day is but done.
I enjoyed her company then and I enjoy it now,
Never harsh words between us, never a row.
Richard; my gentle brother, a soft flowing river,
A writer, a drawer, and a great advice giver.
Young and silly I played with his monsters now and then,
Past the annoyances I caused we are friends once again.
Eric; a young boy at heart, a Disneyland lover,
Fun, talented, and a great brother.
He used to let me play his games, and to the movies we went,
With him life was fun and light 'til the day was spent.
Emily; energetic, spontaneous, always moving,
Loving life and friends, her music grooving.
Life is never boring when Emily is there,
I love her dearly and will forever care.
Anna; my musical sister, talented and strong,
Beautiful, intense, she's hardly ever wrong.
Not the closest of sisters though we were,
I've always aspired to be as successful as her.
Janet; a natural born leader, righteous and steadfast,
Forgiving, caring, and headed for great things fast.
We never got along and we fought often back then,
But times have changed and now she's a closest friend.
Youngest of eight, I don't really know yet who I am,
A little of all seven, I'm learning from them.
I hope to learn soon where amongst them I stand,
To play my part well in this large family band.

- Kimberly H. G. (16 years old)

She. Her. Me. - 05.13.09

Keeping an eye out for her friends, doing her best,

Impossible to hate, and easily impressed.

Moving forward even when she's knocked down,

Being who she is with blue eyes instead of brown.

Everyday a new day to try a little harder,

Realizing her dreams and getting smarter.

Loyal to her faith, family, and friends,

Years of improving, seeing a world without ends.

Helping others, wherever and whenever she can,

Using the help of others to get back up and stand.

Running a race with only herself to conquer.

She strives to accomplish her goals and to be better,

Trying to make a difference in this world of trend-setters.

- Kimberly H. G. (16 years old)

I'm Grateful... - 11.30.08

I’m grateful for the morning light brightening each morning,
I’m grateful for the happy rays that pull me out of mourning.
I’m grateful for the clouds up high promising the coming snow,
I’m grateful for it’s soft beauty as it falls way down below.
I’m grateful for the grass beneath me softening my fall,
I’m grateful for the little things that don’t make me feel so small.
I’m grateful for the wonders of life bringing change and new beginnings,
I’m grateful for the peace and warmth that come along with new endings.
I’m grateful for mother’s arms holding me when I am sad,
I’m grateful for father’s embrace protecting me from all that is bad.
I’m grateful for my many blessings written by the Patriarch’s pen,
I’m grateful for the promise of tomorrows all about the "if" and "then".
I’m grateful for forgiveness promised to those who don’t always succeed,
I’m grateful for a broken heart and contrite spirit always healing the need.
I’m grateful for what is to come next of only pure joy and love,
I’m grateful for the warm embrace awaiting me above.

- Kimberly H. G. (15 years old)

Rebekah - 05.26.04

So sweet, so kind,

She always speaks her mind.

Loving and caring,

Cunning and daring.

She's wonderful and happy,

Never, ever snappy.

At times she is crabby,

When she is unhappy.

She's very, very lovable,

And some times likes to cuddle.

She's my beautiful, baby niece,

She's very fun to tease.

- Kimberly H. G. (11 years old)