A quarter century

My babe turns 25 today! I've been thinking about it all week. She is a quarter of a century old. Twenty five was a tough birthday for me. I had a 14 month old, knew few people in town, and my husband worked 12 hour shifts. I was so lonely. I was so lonely I went that night to a cookie swap at a neighbor's house knowing full well how she could be. That night she took every shot she could to let everyone know I was just turning 25, a baby with a baby.

A lot has changed in my life in the 25 years since Liz entered our world. I was a young mom. We spent all our time together. We would go to the park and play and then go get a bagel to share. She would sit across from me but be half on the today talking to me. She gave me that smile that lifted me up and brightened me.

As she grew and matured so did I. Needless to say Kate and Eric joined us. But more importantly I learned who I was and am. I learned that I can handle what life throws at me. I learned I strong and organized. I learned what true friends are like. They weren't always easy to find but they are my strength now. I used to be afraid to walk into a room of people and not know what to do. I would hide in a corner or sit by myself. I'm more confident now. I will never be the extrovert who can claim the room. Yet I am comfortable to be able to start a conversation with someone.

My kids are a strong part in my growth and discovery of myself. They needed me to fight for them be it through school or medical issues. I needed to have their backs. I didn't always do a good job of it. But today as Liz celebrates her 25th I marvel at how far I have come since mine.