Today our daughter, Hope, turns fifteen. That means she can learn to drive a car.

On the road.

Where other cars drive.

And big trucks.

And motorcycles.

And motorcycle gangs.

And farmers on their tractors…

It seems like only yesterday we brought her home from the hospital.

And it seems like only yesterday when she was relegated to the back seat of the car, strapped in a car seat.

Now she’s gonna be driving a car? How can that be? What happened? The years have passed by much too quickly. They have. I’ve heard it all my life, but when the reality of it hits, it’s quite another thing altogether.

But no time to fret. Today is her day. And while I’d like to be teaching her how to color within the lines, instead of drive between the lines, we celebrate her life and what a beautiful young lady, inside and out, that she’s become.

From a very young she’s been bright eyed, and full of life.

She was so excited and proud to become a big sister.

Hope is fun to be around.

She likes to laugh, and sing, and has a good attitude about trying out new things. Like driving cars.

She’s a book worm too. Many, many books have been read over the years.

Hope has grown from a sweet little girl…

Into a charming, talented and fun-loving young lady.

So today we celebrate.

We celebrate with smiles and laughter. And cake.

Today we celebrate another year of Hope.

Happy 15th sweet child of mine!

And don’t forget to fasten your seat belt. It’s gonna be a great ride!