Letter to my niece on her tenth birthday

Tuesday 4/28/26

It's my niece Lilah's tenth birthday. I sent her a beanie from the Aquarium--which we've visited together a couple times--that promotes conservation, a cause that Lilah feels strongly about.

Dear Lilah,

Happy birthday to you! Ten-years-old! These are exciting times, and I always wait with bated breath to hear—usually from your Grammie—what you are up to. I can tell how much she loves you just from the tone of her voice when the subject of you arises.

I had hoped with this letter to send you a story, but you know what? I haven't finished it yet. And rather than send it along and maybe have to change it, I thought I'd wait until it was the best it can be because I wouldn't want to give you less than that.

I hope you like the Aquarium beanie I got you. I think of you every time I go there and things you said.

Sounds like everything is going well across the board with school, and sports, and your friends, though maybe not always your sister, but hey, I get it.

Happy birthday again. I hope each year is awesome for you and better than the last, no matter how great it was.

Love,

Colin

(That strange person in the background of the photo wearing a Christmas shirt in April is Amelia, favorite of the Little Ghost Girl, of course.)