For years I’ve driven my kids, but at some point they become the driver. The transition is a little jarring. You remind yourself constantly that you’ve prepped them the best you can. But at some point you have to let them take the wheel and become the passenger. Then with a little more time they drive themselves and find their own path. Every path they take will make you wince and contort from years of guiding them safely down the road of life. You want to step in every time there’s a road block or bad weather in their life. As parents I feel like the goal is to show them the road to be on, not the destination, and we can’t show them the directions to it. We must know that they know that roads location when they are ready. Life is full of trials and experiences from fun to down right horrible, but with enough help early on traveling the right road can be easier to find. My oldest is hitting eighteen today I hope with all my heart that path finds him, and he finds the courage to be the amazing man he’s becoming and use his compass we’ve taught him to use. I know I can’t force him to our road it took us years to find it ourselves. Each path is personal, different, and an exceptional gift just like he is. So instead of getting scared I’m going focus on the wonder of what road he will travel on. May your adventure be fulfilling and know we love you with all our heart. Happy eighteenth birthday Hunter, and thank you for being so incredible. You truly have made our path a sweeter more amazing one. No matter what you find on your way broke, rich, kids early, kids late, or no kids we are so proud of you.