BIrthday's squared

Every year I am amazed that I was able to give birth to Laura on Tom's birthday.  After 36 hours of labor, I definitely did not plan her as a gift on his special day, but a gift she was and is. 

Today, Laura celebrates her 16th birthday.  In a couple of weeks, she will start driving the car on her own.  She is now able to go on a date and she is about to start her junior year of high school.  Every mother says, "where has the time gone?", but I truly wonder where it went.  Lately, Laura and I have had quite a few disagreements.  Most of the disagreeing is due to the fact that we think so much alike.  She is so independent and I know this will serve her well.  She wants to prove to herself that she can do things on her own and I want so much for her to need me just a little longer.  The two thoughts don't always work together.  No matter, I love my daughter and I am so proud of the woman she has become.  I don't want to let her go and yet, I know I must.  My thoughts turn to the little birds nest on our porch.  I KNOW how sad and proud that momma bird is as those little ones fly the nest. I also know that she gives them a chance to fly, under her watch, before she leaves them on their own.  That is how I feel now.  Laura needs to fly, but you can bet I am in the background cheering her on and making sure she doesn't fly too far, just yet.

Here is a birthday shout out to my beloved too.  Tom is my rock and the very foundation on which I live.  God knew exactly who I needed to get me through this life, when he gave me Tom Russell.  As we head into this new time in our lives, when our children are both teenagers, thank goodness we have each other to lean on.