18

She turned 18 years old yesterday. Unbelievable.

She's been sick for the past three weeks or so, and it's been wonderful having her here full-time for me to take care of her. Her and Collin have hung out here, livening up the place! Soon she'll be off and running again.

What's she running toward, now that she is officially an adult? She only has six more months of high school. Wow. She's working on applying for cosmetology school to start as soon as she graduates. It's always been what she has wanted to do. Her and Collin together forever? That is unknown, but it looks as though they are thinking of a future together.

She'll never venture too far off. She's a small town girl who doesn't like to be alone. She might be a big girl out there living her own life, but we'll see her often.

I worry that Kyndal has wished away her childhood, and now she's an adult and it's time to step up. But, I did the same thing has a teenager, so I can relate. She's a lot more like me than I want to admit, at times.

Now my role as mom completely changes. I really can't tell this child of mine what to do anymore. Because, she's an adult, whether she's ready for it or not. But I can be her friend and her mentor, and help guide her toward a safe and secure future. And I'll always pray for her, never ceasing.

Happy 18 plus 1 day to my adult daughter, Kyndal. Live strong! Be happy!