Whenever Shelby visited us Oh my goodness she’d make a fuss Wasn’t her way to simply say “Hello” Like all the others that come and go We’d always know when she was round The first clue being that familiar sound No matter what time, day or night You’d always here her shout “Alright?” Then arms outstretched and moving in Face to face with her playful grin We couldn’t avoid the big embrace And a cheek to cheek or a peck on the face Not just once! There was a second bout Same again on her way out Everyone would get a cuddle Or if it was easier a big group huddle I couldn’t decide if this kind of greeting Was necessary at every meeting But now I see it in a different way Realising how it brightened my day It was Shelby’s way – loving and kind A good family friend, so why would I mind I know it’s been quite a while But I miss those hugs and that beautiful smile