Happy, Happy 19th Nick!!!!

Tomorrow is my son Nicks 19th birthday.... 19!! Yikes, where has all the time gone?? It just totally blows my mind to think that I have a 19 year old son. After all, I sure as hell don't feel any older than that myself! (well....maybe just a tad bit) I mean, it wasn't that long ago that I was 19. (well, maybe it was a little bit ago) But all that aside, sheesh, things are moving way too fast here. It seems that when they're little, time just seems to drag it's feet....slowly moving from diapers, to training pants, to potty training to "big boy undies", all to the tune of lullabyes and nursery rhymes. Days spent playing, napping, watching TV and giggling.....blowing bubbles and watching Sesame Street. Like one long, flowing pastel memory, it just floats on by. Slow and easy. Then you hit the middle school and high school years, and all hell breaks loose! Hormones break loose, the attitude kicks into high gear and it's just like that bumper sticker says..."Get in, sit down, buckle up and hold on....it's gonna be a bumpy ride'". Amen. Couldn't have said it better myself. A mom must have thought up that one, 'cause it describes the ride from 12 on perfectly. It's fast, it's furious and it sure as hell is bumpy. Now after around 15, things really get wild. Begin blurr here. You have a new driver on the road, who hopefully hasn't just seen "The Fast & the Furious". Waiting for them to arrive safely home is the new ritual. This is the time to give that cel phone as a gift. No excuse for being late!! Girlfriends are also a big factor here, and these also affect not only the raging hormones but the attitude factor. Luckily, we have been very fortunate in this area. ( the girlfriend part, not the attitude. We have attitude to spare!) Our son has a girlfriend that we totally love to pieces. Amanda's a sweetie. Other parents aren't as lucky. I've heard the stories. Before ya know it, you're on to Senior year.......senior photos, class ring, (get out the Platinum card...don't put away yet), Prom, after Prom, graduation, graduation party, graduation gift, school tuition, prozac, alchohol & rehab. The last three items are for us parents. Platinum card just upped your limit!!! They love you man!! So here we are again, back at 19. We're very fortunate, our son Nick is a great guy. An honest kid, doesn't party, has nice friends, and really hasn't given us much trouble along the journey from diapers to adulthood. So a big Happy 19th Birthday Nick! Enjoy every moment of your special day. All our love to you always....but you know that. And hey, let's try to slow thing down a bit, okay? Sheesh!! *hugs*