On turning 18

So, right now it is 12:14 which means my 18th birthday has just come to an end. The day started out pretty low: failed attempts at lotto ticket purchases, cloudy skies blocking the meteor shower, a throbbing back ache, tons of laundry to do, and no plans to see my close friends. By 4 pm, I decided I would blog about how turning 18 wasn't about this one day, it was about all the great memories that had led up to it. Even if my birthday was turning out subpar, I know how lucky I have been in life and didn't want to complain.

But I was wrong. I was so wrong. Turning 18 isn't about my birthday - buying lotto tickets, or blowing out the candles. But, it is not about my life thus far either - the memories. No. Turning 18, or any age, is about the people who have gotten me there. My 18th birthday turned into a surprise party in which I got to hug almost everyone who means anything to me. And, while I know each hug was meant to congratulate me, in all honesty each hug was about me thanking them. I am surrounded by the most genuine, goofy, kind, giving, and supportive people and I would not trade them for any lotto ticket or meteor shower. They are the people who deserve all the love that was given to me tonight. I have no words good enough for how good these people are. None.

Because, I wouldn't be 18 without these people. My friends have lived such full lives and having any of their experiences or attitudes rub off on me for the past 18 years has made me who I am.

Without the wonderful people in my life, I would be nobody, much less a legal adult. Without the things that they have done, I would have done nothing. Without the things that they have said, I would know nothing.

So, thank you. Thank you to everyone who means anything to me. Thank you for the people who sacrificed 30 minutes out of your fast-paced (and much cooler) lives to stop by and give me a hug. Thank you for the friends that danced with me, even though I know it made you feel uncomfortable. Thank you to the angels who sat with me as the night came to the end, for listening to my toast even when I could not find words worthy of what you have all done for me.

Thank you for making me 18.