Ode to Allison on her birthday

A is for the bad-ass Attitude-- or should we call it "Allie-tude"?-- you know what I'm talkin' bout.

L is for the Loyalty of her friendship; her gaggle of wild friends will attest that she is no deserter. L is also for the Losers who, for whatever reason, miss out on getting to know her. [I need an Ace Ventura "Loser" soundclip here].

L is for the "Longsuffering which produces character, and character, hope." (according to Rom. 5:3-4). Allie, can you testify to any longsuffering? No? Allison's character and integrity are not of the untested variety, but hard-won jewels of her personality.

I is for Allie's Intelligence. It's fortunate for us that her dead-on analysis is most-often tempered by wisdom. She could really push your buttons if she wanted to.

S is for Allie's Sisters! Where would Allison be without us-- really! Can you imagine her as an only child? No! Who would she pick on?

O is for Allie's Ornery-ness, as Granddad Allison would say (that's right, Allison's name is the legacy of my mom's whole clan). That almost accurately describes Allison's trouble-making and pretty hilarious, IMHO, sense of humor.

N is for Allie's warm and personable Nature. This is a mixed blessing, I'm sure, since it draws all of us wackos to her as well.

Happy birthday, Allison! I'm sure I'm speaking for all of us when I say we love you and are incredibly grateful you were born this day 35 years ago. (Just kidding! She's only 28-- a baby still!)