her day{s}

Her birthday comes quickly... but this year I was ready. 

Gifts chosen, plans made... only waiting on her.  Nineteen?  My breath catches at the thought. Still.

There has been a lot of growing in these last twelve months.  Many tough moments, but the oh-so-many bright-moment try to outshine them, as they always do.  And it is in the tough where lessons are learned... as long as you can muster up the courage.

She was celebrated twice... quietly over Chinese food and frozen yogurt, and then, finally, with candles and cake. Her favorite. Red velvet and white checkerboard.  When she said red velvet, I waited... and then I laughed because I knew what she was going add even before she looked at me from under her long lashes and asked checkerboard?  I cannot resist her when she is smiling real and true.

Just a few more months and she should be on her way... to her real life, to her dream. I hope and I pray and make that wish when she blows out her candles in one whooshing breath.

Happy birthday, my angel...