Sixteen years ago I turned 16. I had the most fun birthday party ever. My bffs (who are really just my sisterchicks as teenagers) and I donned thriftstore cast-off prom & bridesmaid dresses and headed downtown to Underground Atlanta. We rented a hunter green Camry, ate at Mick’s and then had a slumber party at my house.
Staci, Jill, Becky, Mandi, me, Kristen
I know it never crossed my mind that sixteen years later I’d be 32. Who thinks of things like that? Not 16 year olds, that’s for sure. I’m pretty sure all I was thinking about was how I wish I had that green Camry for myself, the guys I was crushing on and if I was brave enough to get my driver’s license.
I could have never imagined that 16 years later I’d be nursing my sweet Asa and watching him fall asleep in my arms. I would have never imagined that laying next to my sleeping son, hearing my daughter whisper “Happy Birthday” all on her own would be the best birthday presents I’d ever have.
When I turned 16 it was my entire life. Now it’s only half of my life. Time is weird. But it’s good. And full. And deep. And sad. And happy. And fleeting.
In 16 more years my daughter will be 19. My son will be almost 17. I will be 48. And just like my 16 year old self, I can’t fathom it. But I look forward to the beautiful things my heart can’t imagine today but will cherish on that day.
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: localmandi
May 15, 2009 at 9:50 am
There’s a group shot w/ the camry on FB. And yes “guySSS you were crushing on” is totally accurate. Happy Birthday … I love our friendship & I love you!!
Twitter: vanderbiltwife
May 15, 2009 at 9:57 am
I am trying to remember my 16th birthday and I really can’t. I know for my party I had a joint karaoke party with a guy friend and it was awful because I had just decided I like him and he went and got a girlfriend right then. I know the day I got my driver’s license I drove my girlfriend and me to an ice cream store about 2 miles from my house. But none of those things were on my birthday. Hm.
Happy Birthday, Amanda!! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Twitter: brandiofbham
May 15, 2009 at 10:08 am
Oh 16 was such a big deal. Wasn’t it? My nephew just turned 16. I remember when he was born. I was only 16 myself then. Time has flown by. Now he’s all worried about driving and getting a job, nursing a broken heart that he thinks he’ll never recover from. I want to put my arms around him and show him the bounty that is my life at 32. And how that car, that boy, etc. doesn’t mean a thing anymore. And it all went by so fast. And I wasted so much time.
Of course, he’s way TOO cool to let me hug him.
Happy Birthday, sweet friend!
Have the best 32nd birthday ever. I remember you when you were 6 ( so I was probably only 16, yeah right) Time does fly by quickly
What a wonderful memory…and hope you enjoyed your Birthday! Sweet Asa, you made me cry with that one.
So well said. I’ve been dealing with my own age issues and this really put things in perspective…
Twitter: babysteph
May 15, 2009 at 1:28 pm
What a beautiful post! I hope you have a
Wonderful birthday!!!
Steph
Happy Birthday. I forget every year that our birthdays are a day apart.
Happy, Happy Birthday to you…
I love this! I totally remember my 16th, which was 12 years ago for me and never would I have thought that I would be where I am now at 28. And I am as lucky as you, having the same amazing girlfriends now that I had then! Fantastic! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday.