JULY 15, 2007~ 18 YEARS I have a love/hate feeling about this day. While I hate that it means you’re closer to leaving, I love that it means you’re closer to achieving all your dreams. Today marks the beginning of the end of a chapter for all of us. As the oldest, you taught me how to be a mom. How to handle the struggles, the pain and the joy life throws at you. I only hope and pray that you know that everything I do, is for you. I worry, did I do enough? Teach him enough? Prepare him enough? But then I look at you and watch how you gracefully and humbly handle anything that comes your way. I’m so incredibly proud of the man you are. You are kind, respectful, empathetic and caring beyond words. You are everything I prayed you would be and SO MUCH MORE. So yes, while I hate that this part of our story is coming to an end, I LOVE that YOUR new story is just beginning. I will always be your biggest fan, your biggest supporter and I will always be here to catch you. You may be 18, but to me, you’ll always be my baby, my heart and soul, my best friend. I love you to the moon. Happy 18th Birthday!! 🩵💙 @ethanpadlick