Today is my daughter’s 18^th birthday. 

            No, it doesn’t seem possible.  18 years have flown by. 

            In those 18 years there have been…

            Spend the night parties when the house was full of little girls..

            Dance lessons

            Gymnastics lessons

            Piano lessons

            Baseball games

            Softball games

            Soccer games

            Cheering for football

            And other things.

            To say “I am proud of her” would be  an understatement.  Sarah has grown to be pretty inside and out. 

            One of the proudest moments I’ve had of Sarah came when she was 9 years old.  She surprised her Mom on Holli’s 40^th birthday by singing the song “Thank You” by Ray Boltz.  Picture a 9 year old girl singing that song to her Mom.  Yes, it was moving. 

            When we moved to Dallas, the transition was difficult for her because she left many friends on the coast.  But, thank the Lord, she has made the transition and is doing well.  She is a cheerleader and President of her Senior Class. 

            I admit that raising her has been different than the boys.  And I had to make some adjustments as a Dad.  Sarah is not into the sports that I’m more familiar with so I’ve had to learn to appreciate other things.  But, when I see her on the floor at a cheer competition, I know she loves what she’s doing just like the boys loved their respective sports. 

            The other night, I leaned over to kiss her and it hit me; this time next year, she will be in college.  Our nest is partially empty now.  Next year it will be completely empty.   No, I’m not ready for it. 

            I want her senior year to be as special as it can be so I’m hugging every chance I get. 

            One day (I hope many years from now J) I will put her hand in the hand of a young man she has chosen to marry.  Yes, I will cry and then, I will lead her in the wedding vows.  Whomever she marries will get a beautiful young lady who loves the Lord and will be a good wife. 

            But, that’s several years from now… I hope.

            I thought today about our ritual when Sarah was little.  Many nights, I would tuck her in and we would pray.  After praying she would reach up to hug me and she would say “Huggy hug, kissy kiss, Daddy.”  Sometimes my eyes would fill with tears when  she said that.  Other times I would repeat those words to her.  Then, I would hug her neck, turn off the light and leave her room to get a good night’s sleep. 

            Sarah Alice; Mom and I are proud of you.   We are glad that you and your brothers share the bond you have. 

            Happy 18^th birthday, baby girl.  Huggy hug, Kissy kiss.  Luv u.