Happy Birthday to you!

Karen turned 25 on the 10th and we celebrated with a small dinner gathering with her brothers. She didn't seem that happy to turn 25. I remember when I turned 13 and realized that I was no longer a "kid" but a teenager. I remember writing about all the things I would no longer be able to do like throw water balloons up in the air while in the backyard in my swimsuit or play games with my friends like "Annie, Annie Over!" or just lay on the grassy lawn and watch the clouds float by. Because I was no longer a "kid" I would have to start wearing nylons and get a job. I cried for most of that day because I thought I was losing my childhood. My mother thought I was crazy. LIttle did I realize that I was gaining other things that you only get because you are no longer a "kid" like a license to drive or a date to the prom, or a job that gives you more satisfaction than flipping burgers all day. Karen on the other hand has already experienced most of that but I will agree with her that it is sometimes difficult to grow older and feel like life is moving too fast, or passing you by, or just hard. Maybe we all need to stop and smell the flowers once in a while or lay on the grass and watch the clouds float by. Happy birthday, Karen and here's to many more birthdays to come.