E-L-E-V-E-N

 I think every year I say the same thing...
How can another year have passed already?
This past year has been a year of tremendous growth for you
dear Carmen James.

A strange and unconventional year for us all.

But during it all,

you have come into your own.

You are confident, brave and smart.

Your creative mind works in amazing ways.

You have a brilliant smile, 

a style all of your own,

are both silly and serious.

You follow rules, love to have a voice

and have a lot of valuable perspectives to contribute.

You are strong, 

mentally and physically.

You like to make up and tell jokes,

have a sense of humor,

an easy going, can-do attitude (most of the time)

and are determined at all times.

You are an inventor, problem solver, loyal friend. 

To both your peers and to me.

You bring so much joy,

you radiate.

A very happy birthday to you,

Carmen James.

11 years.

Two handfuls + one.

Truly amazing.

Just like you.