Just yesterday, I was 17. Today, my daughter celebrated her 17th birthday. Where did the time go?

I was always aware that time was passing, but I never really felt old until the last couple of weeks. The realization that my daughter was soon going to be 17, her last year before “adulthood” was the biggest factor. Also, people I knew from high school either found me or I found them and the tossing around of numbers like 16 years, 20 years since we’d seen each other… wow.

I remember tons of stories I could tell right now that would embarrass my daughter to no end, but I’ll be nice. I’ll save that post until she turns 18 and can be prosecuted as an adult for killing me in my sleep. I will say that these last 17 years have been rewarding, frustrating, awe-inspiring, confusing, panicking, crazy, insane, fun, and completely unbelievable. When this all began with that crying little bundle of joy, I never imagined the range of emotions and experiences this tiny little being would expose me to.

Yes, Mother. Now I understand all those things you told me I wouldn’t understand until I was a parent.

And no, Daughter. You cannot kill me for revealing to the world that you were once a little bundle of joy. A crying little bundle of joy at that.

So, I feel old and that’s ok. I wouldn’t go back in time for anything. I love my memories and I want to keep them.

Happy Birthday, Kiddo. Now stop growing up for a few more years, ok? Just kidding!

• Today is my daughters 17th birthday. I feel OLD! #
• @kimidreams Wish I could. in reply to kimidreams #
• Everyone that's friends with @Sara_Macabre please blow up her phone with Happy Birthday DM's! She turned 17 today! #
• Everyone that's following @Sara_Macabre please blow up her phone with Happy Birthday DM's! She turned 17 today! #
• @kimidreams Hmmm… I thought she did follow you. I'll go look real quick. in reply to kimidreams #
• @kimidreams Ahh, I see what you're saying. I thought it had to be both ways. in reply to kimidreams #
• @kimidreams And thanks She's having a bad day on her birthday and needs the love. in reply to kimidreams #
• RT @Sara_Macabre: @kimidreams Thank you! #
• I've had enough of looking at my own mug. Changed pic again. Sorry. #
• @Mornaric She had to tell me what you were talking about. I forgot about her sig. in reply to Mornaric #
• Do you ever feel like the clueless cousin that everyone pats on the head as they walk by? That's been pretty much my day. Sheesh. #