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This blog and the past two years of my life, has been dedicated to educating and informing others regarding all aspects of online safety. Today, however, is dedicated to my daughter. 

Tonight, my 18 year old baby girl graduates from High School.  As I try to keep my composure through-out this day, I am extremely nostalgic and sentimental.  I am a hands-on mom.  Not only did both my children have to put up with me at home, but they had the pleasure of seeing me every single day at school.  Oh, how I loved to kiss them on the cheek in class, and frantically wave at them when I saw them walking up the hall.  Was strange how they immediately turned and went the other way.  Hmmm...

It's been a long journey, with bumps and bruises, tears and laughter.  Pregnancy, long labors, the sleepless nights, colic, terrible two's, first day of school, the dreaded teenage years, learning to drive, and the opposite sex.  With each age, comes yet another worry, another wrinkle, more gray hair.  We worried about what they put in their mouths, or burning their fingers, and now worry about car accidents, drugs, alcohol, and worse. 

At 18, she still has the cutest laugh, still says "headuch"(for headache), has a big heart underneath that teenage 'tude, and thankfully, is healthy and safe. 

For those of you with small children, I can attest to the fact that it is true what "they" say.  They grow up so fast.  Enjoy it.  One day you will be looking at your child graduating.  All stages may seem hard, but when they graduate, and when they move out, it will hit you like a ton of bricks.  It seems like I should be the one graduating, not my children! Knowing my children don't "need" me like they used to, is very hard on this old heart.

Now, all grown up, I'm proud of you missy, and I love you very much!

Congratulations!