If I Could Turn Back Time, I Wouldn’t Change a Thing

Today my eldest son turns 18 years old. He started out as a mighty preemie after “we” were hospitalized on bedrest for 8 weeks. We came home from the hospital the day before his birthday. That should signal to you what an interesting adventure his journey into this world was and continues to be.

Fast forward 18 years… and you arrive at today. The years have flown by filled with love, laughter, worries, tears… If you are the oldest, you know this truth… being the oldest child means that you train your parents along the way. They can read and receive all the training in the world, but there is nothing quite like experiential learning. Parents experience on-the-job-training each moment of each day. We worry as we watch our kids grow if everything will be alright. We spend our days living and planning and worrying and praying. There are times that I think I should’ve done this differently or that differently in this journey of parenthood. Then I realize that each moment along the way has been part of the equation to make him who he is today. For that, if I could turn back time, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Happy 18^th Birthday today, Jackson! We celebrate you and your journey to this point as you graduate from high school today as well! Thanks for all of the life lessons that you have taught us so far along the way. You are the best teacher! 😉

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.”
~ Henry David Thoreau

“If life gets too hard to stand, kneel.”
~ Gordan B. Hinckley

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave nor forsake you.”
~Deuteronomy 31:6

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
~ Jeremiah 29:11

Only Time will tell where your journey may lead you…
We continue to remember the journey, enjoy today, and look forward to where
The Road Before Us will lead.

Happy 18^th Birthday to Jackson today!
Congrats on your high school graduation!