Growing Up

We've been working really hard these past few weeks, getting graduation announcements ready to send, getting the house ready for family and friends who will surely come to visit after the event on the big day, checking out college campuses, filing applications, getting accepted and preparing to send my oldest child into the world.

On a tuesday,  in the middle of all of the preparations, Gabby turned eighteen years old.

As I was applying my  makeup this morning I noticed that I somehow look older.   No, there aren't any wrinkles added to the ones I currently have.  The gray hair is beautifully covered every six weeks thanks to a bottle of color in any hue I choose.  No new signs of aging, but for very pointed reasons I look a little older.  I know things now, things I didn't know a few days ago, the knowledge of which does shine in my eyes.  I know that in a very short time I will be sending my firstborn out into the world.  All of the care, and teaching, loving and learning has manifested itself in the form of one very beautiful young woman.  She is what every mother hopes her daughter turns out to be, kind, studious, thoughtful and mature.

 In the middle of all that is life and one day when I wasn't looking, Gabby grew up.

And, somewhere along the way....I did too.