Today she’s 17.
It’s raining.
She slept thru her alarm.

Down the stairs.
A quick hug and ‘Happy Birthday’.
Then off to school she went.

No photos — maybe later.

Me, just soaking her in.

Here we are.
Last year of high school.
Driving.
Boyfriend.
College on the horizon.
All of the things.
At once.

Poof!
Seems like overnight.

Me, just soaking her in.

This is the way.
Here we are.

I’m full.
Glassy-eyed.
Excited for all that’s to come…

…but in no rush.

Throwing out my anchor — staying here awhile.

Best chapter yet.