Here’s the part of the message, and the poem, that I left on Kayla’s phone yesterday:

Just callin’ to tell you how much I love you, and how much I’m going to miss you these next fews months. You’re just the bomb diggity, my friend, it won’t be the same if you’re not around. I know you’re going to have a blast at college, and make lots of friends. Try to think of me at least, oh I don’t know, once a week or so. Just so I know you care. Good luck with your classes, and I want to hear that you kicked some major Tai Chi butt! *hooah*

But seriously, I am going to miss you. Like the flower misses the sun. Like a hot dog misses ketchup. Like a nose misses a booger. Kayla, you are my sun ketchup booger. I wrote you a poem to share just how much you mean to me:

Polka dots and gerbera daisies,
Ska can make you dance like crazy,
But not as cool as Patrick Swayze,
Kayla Nelson, I love you.

Chocolate covered coffee beans,
You’re not calm by any means,
You wouldn’t make it in the Marines,
Kayla Nelson, I love you.

Zucchini, alfalfa, Who’s Line is it Anyway?
You’re quick to put your thumbs up so you don’t have to pray,
And liking rainbows does NOT mean you’re gay
Kayla Nelson, I love you.

Running barefoot through the snow,
Mocking Bernie, “Eh, don’tcha know?”
Busy, non-stop, go, go, go
Kayla Nelson, I love you

Romania and New Year’s Eve,
Because of book club you’re not so naive,
I’m really sad you had to leave,
Kayla Nelson, I love you.

Pill pooper, fudge muffins, FYI
We’re going to Vermont, and you know why
T-women forever, until we die
Kayla Nelson, I love you.