My Baby is Seventeen!!!!

Seventeen years ago today, I gave birth to my firstborn daughter, Hailey. It doesn't seem like that long ago, but a birth certificate doesn't lie, I suppose. I remember clear as day being her age myself. How I regret not treasuring each and every moment of her childhood...getting too busy with life and things that I thought were important, when really, they were silly.
I have had the blessing of watching Hailey transform into a beautiful young lady. Yet, still, a teenager, with some of the typical teenager traits that drive a mom crazy! Smart, beautiful, determined...those, of course, are not the traits I speak of when referring to a teenager, but they are what I think of when I think of my little Hailey.

I know that there are many moms who have gone before me as their own children have changed almost overnight from a child who is being raised to a young woman who simply needs guidance before she ventures off to live the rest of her life. Still, it is difficult for me to put into words what I am feeling as her mom at this moment. Although I am proud of her, I feel a sort of tearing of my heart as it seems she needs me less and less...

                                                         Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!