Today my daughter turns 16.

How can it be that 16 years have passed since the day I brought her into this world?

It just seems like yesterday…

So much has happened in those 16 years. I had such hopes and dreams for our lives.

Things changed.

Boy, did they change!

I hoped to buy her a car for her 16th birthday but yet I struggle to pay my current bills. (I’ve been reminded more than once that we got Brandon a car…)

I wanted the best for her but yet I have a hard time meeting basic needs. (Fuhhhhhhrustrating!)

Both kids learned how to deal with not having money available for the extras. Danielle’s heard “maybe next payday” more times than she can shake a stick at (there’s that darn stick again…)

She’s learned how to make do with what we do have and from time to time, I even get a hint of feeling grateful (she’s 16, can’t expect miracles…lol)

Both of my kids have watched the struggles over the years and have learned to appreciate the good times while tolerating the not so great ones.

On Being a Mom

I LOVE being a mom!

But I’ve got it all wrong, yanno…

You see, D (that’s what I call Danielle) laughs at me and says she’s gonna be the cool mom and let her kids do whatever they want.

Dream on, Sister!!!

She may think that now, but once she has her own kids, she will realize that it’s her job to make sure they’re growing up safely and into responsible adults.

Then again, I don’t know anything…

I’m relatively sure I’ve been sufficiently paid back for the grief I gave my parents as a teenager.

And yes, I’ve had heartache over the years.

I’m a mom.

I’ve made HORRIBLE mistakes.

I’m a mom.

I’ve gotten that call in the middle of the night, and spent it in the ER.

I’m a mom.

I’ve waited up at night to make sure they got home alright.

I’m a mom.

I’ve loved my kids with all my heart and always will.

I’m a mom.

And you know what?

I wouldn’t trade it for the world…

Happy birthday, D!!! I love you!

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