Today is the big day. The big 1-8. The day you are officially an adult in the eyes of the law. You can buy cigarettes and lottery tickets and go to prison for an extremely obnoxious amount of time. You made it! I can't even find the words to explain how amazing it has been watching you mature over these years. Looking back just six months ago and seeing how different and more evolved you are is shocking yet stunning. Its comforting to know that whenever you thought you were done learning about yourself, you open a new door and begin to explore.
I have watched you when you were lost and alone, unsure of why you even existed, why anyone could possibly care about you. It was scary, seeing you go through those rough years, unsure if we would even see this day. You were afraid of yourself, and the brilliant woman you were destined to be. You allowed those around you to control you and make you feel worthless, you believed them, allowing them to lead you to ledge until you were holding on by the power of your heels dug deep into the ground. But it was watching you with the power to scoot back from the edge and take back your life that was the greatest moment so far. You made the decision to fight back. You decided that you truly were an undiscovered treasure: intelligent, classy, beautiful and witty. You brought yourself back and now here we are. On the cusp of adulthood, growing more confident everyday.
I look at you and I see a woman with so much more to learn: about the world, morality, family and herself. But you look so eager and ready to take on these lessons, and that comforts my heart. The world is yours if you want it, and seeing as high maintenance as you are, I can't imagine you turning it down.
As I sit here at the time you first came into the world 18 years ago, I am just floored by it all. I can't even imagine where you will be 18 months from now, let alone 18 years!
I'll see you around kid.
Keep shocking the world.
P.S. Happy Birthday you Goddess you <3