Turning 18

Today, while I sit in my bed with a miserable sinus headache, I look back on the last short 18 years of my life. A lot of time has passed, and I never thought I would make it to this moment. I remember crushing frogs in the pond out back by trying to throw the largest rock I could find, and then tossing it on them, (though a sassy toddler in Elmo diapers can't throw with much force, or do much damage at that.) I had the world at my fingertips. At this point in time I believed that the Chucky Doll under my bed would never go away, or that my siblings would never move out, or that I would ever be turning 18. I look back to when my mom was my whole world, and my best friends would always be my best friends, and that the only boys who gave me kisses were my dad, my brother, and our dogs. I will never forget the nights with my head resting on dad's belly, or falling asleep on the couch and waking up in moms bed, or trying to keep my eyes pried open all night for Santa. I thank God for the life he has given me, and the ability to appreciate it with all of my heart. Thank you to my family, and the people in my church, the next door neighbors, and Debbie and Jody down the street. You all loved me, and raised me, and watched out for me...

and today I turn 18.