Large Fierce Mammal

Izabella with baby Diana.

On the 9th day of February in the year 1982, a baby girl was born in the city of Wroclaw, Poland. She was one of many girls born that day, both in Poland and all over the world, but the birth of this one was special because the event marked kindling of a spark that would grow to be the light of my life. The baby was my incomparable Diana who many of you here know as Mrs. LFM.

Proud parents Izabella and (the regrettably late) Ryszard Kleszczynski.

Normally I don’t let others speak for me in matters of the heart, but today I’m making an exception because this afternoon we received a piece of poetry created in recognition of today’s auspicious date. It was written by Mrs. LFM’s mother Izabella who has quite a talent for poetical self expression when she feels the muse move her.

Well, it did today, and there simply isn’t anything I could write that would encapsulate the feelings she expressed as eloquently as she did in those five simple, heartfelt verses.

My high school English teacher, the esteemed Paul Brison, used to say that a short story or poem is harder to write than a more lengthy piece because they’re like jewelry – the smaller they are the more carefully they need to be crafted. Well, to my mind, this is one elegant and shiny jewel. Ladies and gentlemen, I present …

Diana’s Birthday

by her justifiably proud mother
Izabella Kleszczynski

Today is a very special day
Diana was born far far away-
In gorgeous and courageous land,
I happily held her tiny hand.

Joy filled my eyes with happy tears
When I looked at her so perfect ears,
Baby blue eyes, sweet cheeks and nose,
And perfect mouth, pink as a rose.

And could not fathom for years to come
Why was I chosen to be her mom.
She fills my heart with happiness
And pride, and joy and fierceness.

But to protect her, to take care of her
Has been passed on to a higher care –
Her husband Randy cherishes her now
As she will him, since it was their vow.

She’s still my sweet Baby, my joy and pride
And she was most beautiful and radiant Bride,
So long live Diana and Randy in harmony
And make together most perfect symphony:-)

Thank you Izabella, for this treasured sentiment and, most of all for Diana. If she hadn’t been born, I might as well not have been.

As for you my most beloved Diana, it may be your birthday, but you are the gift. Happy Birthday Baby.

31 October 2008 - The blessed day Diana officially became Mrs. LFM.