Catholic Family Vignettes

And now you are 18. May God bless you, my precious girl, you who are so very precious to me. You also know that your mother is such a sap...so here goes the poetry...yes, you know the one:







She Walks in Beauty

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

Lord Byron

And so, my girl, may your day be spent in goodness and joy. May you know the same joy that you have brought to those who love you. Happy birthday, sweetheart! Read more!

18 years. I can't believe it. My little girl, my Meredith, will be 18 in just a few days.

Yesterday, we spent the day in orientation and advising for college. She is so very excited...filled with the joy that comes with anticipating an adventure.

As we were strolling past the school supplies in a local store, she exclaimed: "School supplies! I get to buy my own school supplies for a real school! OH! Umm...sorry mom, you know what I mean don't you?"

Sigh,(deep cleansing breath)...of course, I do. Independence, that's what she means. Thank heavens she's only commuting!

Independence...a few steps at a time.

Here's a little slideshow (it might load a little slowly after clicking the "read more" link), a brief glimpse into 18 years of life with this wonderful girl...we love you sweetie!

Read more!