21 Years

They say that the days are long but the years are short. It never feels like that when it's happening.

It's only when I look back at these pictures of times that I can remember so vividly that it rings true.

So many things have changed in the world and in our lives since D was born in 2001. I couldn't have imagined them all, and honestly, I wouldn't have wanted to know some of the things.

There have been ridiculously good times; magical, wonderful, heady times. And there have been tears; so many tears.

I've known D their whole life, but every time our lives change, it's like we have to get to know ourselves and each other all over again.

The past few years, in particular, have been... well, I suppose as typical as can be expected with a neuro-atypical person becoming an adult, coming into themselves, and individuating from their parents. 

But the teenage years are hard, under the best of circumstances. I am aware that as hard as I tried, D didn't experience the best of circumstances.

But I love this young adult "kid" every bit as much as I loved the mischievous, opinionated, smart, motivated child in these pictures.

I am proud of how D has handled the difficulties, internal and external, that they have had in growing up.

I am proud of how D has always had a keen sense of who they are and how they haven't been willing to alter that much at all in order to "fit in."

D has taught me so much about what it means to walk around as a decent human being, and has forced me over and over again to accept uncomfortable truths and to see the world in a more open manner.

Happy birthday to my 21-year-old kiddo. It is with absolute confidence and joy that I am watching you grow into your dreams and goals. Love you so much.

(After this, D didn't much like having pictures taken, so I have been respectful of it. Here's this year's cake, though...)