My sweet girl is 18 today!

I have been an emotional wreck the past few days. I cannot fathom that my precious first-born turns 18 today. Where did the years go? I can still remember the moment of her birth like it was yesterday, it's that fresh in my mind, but so many of the years in between are fuzzy and distant and I can't recall many things and it's driving me nuts.
As I was selecting a birthday card for her this morning I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. There I was standing in the card aisle crying like a baby. I am sure the people who saw me thought I was crazy, but I don't care. Maybe they have been where I am and can totally relate, or maybe not, but it's a huge milestone for a parent. My little girl will always be my little girl. However, now she is an adult and is going to be moving on soon and not be so dependent on me and I think this is the most difficult part of it. These years have seemed like forever sometimes, but I truly feel as if she was just born and I blinked and she became an adult.
I am so very proud of this girl. She's got a strong spirit, and is caring and loving and outgoing and generous and carefree. She's beautiful and has grown into an incredible young lady. She has blessed so many lives and I thank God that he gave her to me to raise and love and care for. My life would be so incomplete without her.

So Kara, Happy Birthday darling and I hope today is a beautiful beginning to a wonderful life as an adult. I love you so much girl!