I wrote this poem when my niece was born very premature. She's wonderful and healthy. I want to put this on for all the heroes we've lost from 9/11.

Our Family's Greatest Hero Baby, baby so tender so smallYou’re the most courageous of allBorn April 16, 1998, 12:40 a.m.Mariel Angela what a beautiful nameOnly 2 pounds 11 ounces, 15 1/2 inches longSuch a light weight for a baby so strongYou’ve been through so much in such a little timeI just wanted to write you this loving rhymeSometimes things happen for reasons we don’t knowLike the way you became our family’s greatest heroWatched you at just one day oldSo precious, yet so persistent and boldYour pink little body, your pink little faceAlready you have such charm and such graceAlthough you’re too tiny to speak your mindWe listen to your voice, so powerful yet kindAlready stretching your long arms overheadYou’re so cute and relaxed in your incubater bedI haven’t even kissed, hugged, or felt your gentle touchYet I love you so very, very muchI think God blessed you Because he loves the little things you doSo whether you become a doctor, a lawyer, an artist or teacherA dancer, a singer, an actor or preacherOne things for sure, you’ll always be Mariel Angela my niece and Our Family’s Greatest Hero by Gloria Buono (c) 1998