From Zero to 18 in seconds....

My darling Sassy,

You're 18 years old today.

I am proud of the young woman you are, and I am hopeful and excited about the woman that we can glimpse in the distance.

We laugh, we cry, we scream, we fight, and we don't always see eye to eye.

I've held your hand when your heart was broken; when your knee was ripped open from one side to the other; when you had that CAT scan after the little concussion incident after the hockey game; as you've mustered your courage; and when we've lost our loved ones.

We've laughed over hot sauce; talking rules; tips for anorexics; and "Where's your boyfriend at?".

As Father Time has marched us along, I've loved you with every fiber of my being. When all is said and done, I know that you love me.

I.

Know.

You.

Do.

Now, about that tiny little matter of "body art" you're contemplating......