You are the same age now as I was when I first started dating your father. You have no idea how unbelievable this is to me.

You now drive me around the island and throw your arm out in front of me when you have to brake suddenly. Small gesture; huge symbolism.

You are taller than I am by three inches. This isn’t saying much — but I’m just saying.

You always have to remind me that you are old enough and capable enough to fill out official documents and medical paperwork all by yourself — that I don’t need to do it for you. Old habits die hard, I am afraid.

You have a chest like a Playboy bunny — under which beats a heart like no other I have ever known.

Even though I am about as progressive as a mother comes, it still breaks my own heart just a little to think of you inking up that creamy, perfect skin I created…but I shall learn to live with it, I suppose (as long as I have final approval over the design!)

Wherever you go, whatever you do…you are always the best and the brightest — you wouldn’t have it any other way, Aries. You are a leader amongst your peers — and yet you always have time to help anyone who might need it.

You are in such a rush to be a grown-up lady — you always have been — but don’t be in such a rush that you miss out on being present at every miraculous moment of your time here. It goes by so fast, honey.

But you still call me “Mommy”…and at the end of the day, you crawl into bed with me and cuddle close to my chest..and I rub your bottom to soothe you, just like I used to do when you were in my belly, all those years ago. Eighteen or not, you are still my baby — and always will be.

It has been an honor and a privilege to have escorted you to this gate. I love you with all my heart.

Oh, and world?

LOOK OUT.