Baby #5 has now turned 18.  There are those ages that stand out... "1", "5", and "13".  "14" may bring a new driver's permit.  "16" they're old enough to get a driver's license.  At "18" they believe themselves suddenly emancipated, able to make their own decisions. Unfortunately, they often fail to see that this is a legal designation, and hold that above the reality of their lives. 

Alisha has truly grown up a great deal over the past 6 months.  She has now stayed with the same employer for over a year, and is making very good money for someone her age.  She's moved into a new position, and this will be good for her resume.  She's taken greater personal responsibility for her education than she has; but at the same time needs to do more to complete her high school diploma (which was supposed to be completed in June).  This isn't a huge deal, since I support a 5-year high school approach, with the main goal of having valid vocational training (be able to make a living) by the time my kids graduate.  She certainly has accomplished that!

18 is a time of a plethora of different feelings for this ol' mom.  Sadness over how short the time was, and that there was so much more I wish I'd done and taught.  Fear for the same.  Hope that she will take all that she's been given and, with God's help, allow the field of her heart to grow the fruit of the Spirit within and without.

Emotions may vary; but peace comes when I remember, once again, that any good, can only happen thru God.  No matter how hard I try, or how badly I fail, if God does not give the increase, I can do - and have done - nothing.