16.

Sweet sixteen.

 It brings so much.

 A driver license.

 Maybe a summer job.

 Upper classman rank this fall.

 Dreams of scuba diving.

 Somewhere the years have slipped through my fingers like sand, and my little girl has grown into a young lady with a radiant smile that lights up her face (and gets us outstanding service from young waiters).

The mischievous twinkle in her eyes as she quietly and sarcastically adds her two cents--I have seen that before too! A long time ago a dear family friends commented that she was serious as a baby--because even then she could keep a straight face!

Her gentle heart attracts kids...and occasionally surfaces with her siblings, as yesterday she took her free track pass for her birthday a day early...so she could celebrate her sister's birthday that she missed last year due to a track meet.  Today she will run at practice--on her own birthday.  My little sweetheart who always generously shared her hugs and love...still does.

The years may continue to slip through my fingers, but I am grateful today to pause and wish my oldest daughter Happy 16th Birthday!