18

As of 9:00 am, she's legal. She can now buy cigarettes and vote. What an upgrade.

This birthday feels different than all the others. She feels like an official grown up. Maybe a mini-grown up? 18 just gives off the vibe of I'm-going-to-try-life-on-my-own-now-thanks. This age just brings her closer the life she will live separate from this one she grew up in. There is a finality to that thought that just makes my heart heavy.

This beautiful girl made me a mother. She gets to hold that title for the rest of forever. She is special and extraordinary in so many ways. And she has boldly chosen where to direct her path. It's an amazing journey to watch. Her becoming who she was always meant to be.

On this day, 18 years ago, she became our gift. She created parents and started a family. Some days she feels like the glue that holds us together at the edges. Other days I simply sit back and watch her soar. This girl holds a wonderful future inside of her, just waiting to be lived.

It has been, and always will be, an honor to be your mother.
Open those brave wings of yours, and fly.

Happy Birthday my Samantha.