Eighteen

Kyle is 18-years-old today and I couldn’t be happier — I couldn’t be sadder. He’s no longer my little boy — he’s his own man.

His passage into adulthood leaves me proud. His growth leaves me old.

Jus’ last year I held him in my arms for the very first time. Now its all I can do to get my arms half way ’round him.

He’s my pride and I’m so very proud of him.

While I can no longer legally direct his actions, I will be there to advise him if should ask—and sometimes when he doesn’t. He will always have a shoulder to lean on or an ear to bend.

What’s left of his childhood are trinkets, photographs and memories. It’s now up to Kyle to point the way as he matures in his new found adulthood.