Saturday, 01 May 2010 -- Day 132 (145)

My baby is 14. Her 14th birthday started w/ her passing the test for her learner's permit. She drove Papa's (my dad's) van first then Doug's pickup twice: once coming home from her dance recital and the other to pick up her friend. She also took her moped out for a few spins.....once to get me soy milk. Yes, it's been yet another eventful day. Tomorrow I think I'm going to attempt teaching her how to drive my car, which is a five-speed. We'll use the college parking lot before trying the highway. God grant me patience. Actually she does a wonderful job, especially when driving to pick-up her friend just a little bit ago....in the dark. I'm so pleased that she meets challenges head-on w/ a confidence that makes me proud while she remains cautious so as not to be easily manipulated, which makes me more comfortable. It's refreshing to see her embrace her new-found freedom. As I watched her ride up the hill, I realized she isn't going to need me as much now. Although I will miss my little girl, I'm looking forward to the times I get to spend w/ this emerging, young woman. I know it will take a great deal of courage for me to let her become this, but I take lesson from Mom. It had to be incredibly difficult for her to watch me, at only 20-years-of-age, move 1000 miles away, but she all she ever wanted for me was to be happy. My birthday wish for you, Maddy May, is that you live a happy, helpful, and productive life. I pledge to help you do this in whatever ways possible and whenever you need me; it's the gift my mom gave to me and one I pass on to you.