Megan turns 18

 Jan 29, 2022

     My sweet baby and fellow middle child has turned eighteen and heads toward a place of competent independence. I find myself more and more comfortable with her handling things, making arrangements, driving herself, making choices. It is amazing to be able to see our wonderful young woman perched to step further into the broader world. But perched as she is it's not time to leave just yet. I feel so blessed to have her near by and speak to her throughout the day.

For her birthday she was greeted with breakfast in bed. That evening the whole family got together for dinner at Outback and presents at home with chocolate cannoli. 

It is a blessing to get to wake her up and wake her up again, and kiss her soft warm cheek each morning. It is a blessing to know her and know that less words are better in the morning. To know that she appreciates that coffee is brewed and was thrilled that the cappuccino mix was finally back on the store shelves. It is a blessing to see her choose outfits and develop her sense of style. It is a blessing to see her collages and wire art. It is a blessing to carefully step through the explosion of her belongings and a week later see her put things back in their place again, even if only for a short time. It is a blessing to see her anticipation of her boyfriend's visit, and see him skip steps as he alights to our front porch in reciprocal anticipation.  It is a blessing to see her plainly state her standards to him and to be given a moment of focus on her birthday. It is a blessing to see her play games with her cousins on Friday nights. It is a blessing to see her scratch Johanna's back during Mass when Johanna is spiraling up. I am savoring these moments, as I know they are part of a season, and that season is starting to turn.

To celebrate the turning of the year, she asked if we could host a party, a tea party, outside in February. Megan had an idea of what she'd like and it was fun to support her plan. She envisioned a  low table with cushions for seating, table linens topped with candles and teacups. She and I went to an estate sale and began gathering items. as we were driving back we decided to stop at a few thrift stores and we completed our collection of gold and cream teacups. A few more stops rounded out the collection of pillows and then Bridget sewed pillow covers for them. We took advantage of after Christmas sales and got some greenery to dress up the tents.

We planned finger sandwiches, pastries, fruit, vegetables and cheeses. but as we planned out the menu the weather reports turned to snow. 

We debated how to do everything and with much discussion we worked out a plan, that included tarps to keep the concrete dry, tent set up, space heaters and testing to avoid blowing a fuse, which we did and made adjustments. The whole family pitched in because we had a tight schedule with some things happening before Mass and so many happening after. Jim, Megan Bridget, Johanna and I got everything set up just in time. It was beautiful.

Megan's friends began to arrive and enjoyed the environment we created. They joked about Megan planning their weddings. The ground had a layer of snow and some flakes were still falling. So despite the space heaters and tents it was still chilly. But we were prepared with sherpa blankets for each guest, and most everyone wrapped up or put one across their laps.

Bridget stayed available and helped throughout the party with refills and moving trays of food in an out as needed. Megan and the guests all settled in to comfortable chatting and eating. They had a great time and didn't need me again until it was time for dessert. Megan chose cheesecake as her dessert and we put a candle in her bite-sized piece. It was fun to sing in a big group and celebrate Megan.

May almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you my child for time and eternity, and may this blessing remain forever with you. Amen

Happy Birthday Megan!