18!!!

18 seems to be some kind of magical age. The first step into the "real" world, so they say. My third child has reached that magical age. I know it was bound to happen, and I feel very cliche when I declare "Time is going way too fast!" But it is. My charming little George is now 18. He wanted to go buy a lottery ticket and a pack of cigarettes to make it official but did not want to part with his hard earned money. When the prophet announced lowering the age to serve a mission my heart leaped, then sank a little. My selfish desires kicked in and I mourned that lost year. Then I was happy that my boy, who has been aching to serve a mission since he was 13, can go serve the Lord even sooner, if possible. I have all the confidence in the world in this young 18 year old son of God. I know he has what it takes to make the prophet, and the Lord, proud of lowering the age limit. I love this young man more than I thought I could. Has it really been almost 10 years since he asked "So..........what do I call you?" I said he could call me anything he wanted, no pressure. He put his little fist to his chin in thought, looking up at the ceiling sideways, and told me, "I think I will call you mom." I hope I have lived up to that name when he has needed me to the most. I love you George!