Today is the day our daughter has been preparing for since she could talk and mimic being a grown-up while she played house. Our Josie turns 18 today.
Today she is finally a grown-up.
But what does that really mean? Well, lots of semi-exciting things.
She can now vote. She can buy a lottery ticket. She “technically” won’t have to have a curfew (but she still will for a while). According to her older sister, she can “sign a contract” without her parents’ permission. Well, there’s that.
But does one day magically turn her into a grown-up? How is she “finally” a grown-up, when, in my eyes, she was just a sassy middle schooler yesterday, a precocious preschooler last week, and my snowstorm baby just a few months ago?
Well, according to Josie and her plans, yes in one day it does make her a real grown-up. And this one has big plans.
We have been talking about all the next steps things: applying for colleges, senior pictures, and firsts of lasts. It’s all so exciting, but at the same time, the cheesy “mom” thing to say and feel is exactly what I’m feeling: it has all gone so fast. I’m questioning everything I did as her mom and wondering if I prepared her enough for that big, soul-crushing world that an adult has to take but her mom can’t protect her from.
But that’s just it. Being a true adult is weathering that soul-crushing world. It’s figuring it out and making space to grow despite the hard stuff. It’s not all lottery tickets and lack of curfew. It’s managing the life you have in front of you with excitement and high goals but tempering expectations so as not to be disappointed when/if life throws you a curveball. I hope her life story for the past 18 years has just been a story-starter, and that we gave her a roadmap with enough guidance to always find her way even when the path gets curvy.
Josie,
Yes, today you are an adult. Yes, today you get to be considered a part of the “adult kid group” (remember when you had to be included in the cousin group “The Big Six and Josie”?). Yes, today we can talk about that out-of-state opportunity that keeps coming up in conversation. Yes, we can talk about making that curfew a little later from time to time.
However, no, I’ll never stop worrying, caring, questioning, pushing, or wondering about what you’re doing. No, I’ll never stop calling to ask if you’re okay, on your way, or if you need something. Yes, I’ll always tell you your birth story and marvel at the big personality that is packed into your small stature. Yes, I’ll always ask you for fashion advice, but no, I will NEVER wear a middle part or my socks over my leggings.
Finally, yes, we will always, always love you. Forever and ever. No matter what. No matter where. No matter if you’re finally an adult. Because even though you’ve hit that milestone, you’ll always be my little Jos.
Happy birthday my dearest girl.
Love,
Mom