A last glance at 18 years before tomorrow

Wow. Nearly a year has gone by. Tomorrow I will wake an eighteen year old and go to bed as a nineteen year old. The fact whether I like it or not, my birthday is nearly here. I wish time would stand still for a moment, but that is a hopeless wish. Like every night before my birthday arrives, I sit and ponder what I have learned.
Last year I had my birthday in Honduras. 20 or 30 people sung to me. For the first time I had little Debbie's as my cake for my birthday. Mom and Dad brought two gifts (Kate brought me two one a beautiful yellow rose which was brought quite recently and scotches which I have yet to find)...a happy camper cap and my all time favorite Archies Comics. That was it. You know what? It was perfect. That was it. My birthday entailed being embarrassed by singing people ( which shall remain foevere in my memeory and I'm so glad they sung), little Debbie's, and gifts. I wouldn't change a thing other than the fact I'd wish Chris would have come.
The law viewed me as an adult. The problem was...until recently I saw myself NO where near as an adult. To some degrees I still don't. Yet, I look back and see how far I've come.
I went on my 1st mission trip. For three months I took care of the house and family. Started college. Went to a prom with a guy. Yes...I actually agreed to go to a prom as friends with a guy. My 1st outing so to speak with a guy except to give boys rides back and forth to destinations. I've taught two classes in Jubilee Shores ( kid's church); the first time with an adult who was just there to help, and the second I taught by myself. Started my blog. Took pictures for a wedding. Asked to take pictures for a wedding down in Flordia. Crochet my first adult blanket and 2 baby blankets. House/pet sit for a week. The list goes on, but I shall stop here. All of these are my "1st".
I've had to think a lot of my future. Now I have a good idea of what will happen. But of course, I am prepared if God say nope! I want you to do something else. This has been the only year that I've had to think a lot of the future, more than I care to actually. But I must be perpare and not forget to enjoy today for "today".
For my birthday, I'll have homemade soy icecream. Mom's allgery won't allow her to have dairy prodects much. Until evening comes, it'll be me and mom. Chris works, and Dad works. Last year I had a brother who did not come to my birthday. This year, my best friend and sister will be for the first time will not be attending my birthday. It's hard to imagen my sister not being there. But I know she'd be here instead of Chili if she could. At least we'll be able to celebrate her birthday together and on the beach too which will thrill me.
So I have the most blessed oppertunity to have mom for my birthday. What a gift! Tomorrow is going to be a wonderful, incrediable day. Despite I want something very different...like actually have friends my age over, I'll take time with mom any time. The best part...is my Father will be here celebrating.