18

Happy 18th Birthday R1!

How did we get here so fast. It seems as if I have been saying this a lot lately.  Eighteen years have come and gone in the blink of an eye. 

I remember holding you in my arms for the first time after you were born. The walk into school and down the kindergarten hallway to Mrs. Dunivant's class room, watching you get that first hit off of the baseball tee, the first time you ran out onto the football, when I let you drive my car around the neighborhood, driving you up to the school to see if you made the high school baseball team, and the senior walk with your classmates back at the elementary school (well that one was just a few months ago). 

 
These precious memories and so many others feel as if they just happened. 

But as you are just beginning the beautiful road ahead and while you begin to navigate your next life steps, just know that you will face a number of different experiences and here are a few things you need to know. 

1. Do not accept anything less than what you need. Find out makes you happy and learn to not settle for anything less.

2.  Create a list of things you want to achieve and work on making them happen. Dream big and find out ways to make them reality. 


3. Don't be afraid of failing, be afraid of not trying. You're bound to fail because reaching goals is never easy. Keep working on your goals and learn from failures. If you do not try, you might it regret it one day. Do not give up!

4. Listen to your parents and spend time with them. Yes we know you are an adult but learn to appreciate everything we have done for you. Know that we are and always be your biggest cheerleaders in life. We will always be your safe place to land. When you come to visit do not knock on the door, just walk in and right into our arms for a big hug.

5. Do not be consumed with technology all the time. Unplug. Enjoy the conversation of others around you. You will be happier for it. 

6. Make memories. Live your life and create memories that will last a lifetime. People come and go in your life, make the most of it and live in the moment. You have so much in your life that you have yet to experience. Just remember not to take a single moment for granted. Keep your eyes open and embrace everything that life has to offer. 

The next 18 years of your life will be even greater than the first 18. I promise!