celebration

We had a joyful celebration tonight. My "little" cousin, Em, turned 18 years old today. I have posted about my family before, and have mentioned how large it is. However, most live too far away to keep in touch. My mom's sister is the closest in proximity, and has been the closest family we have had growing up. I think everyone has one aunt that they are especially fond of, and Aunt Beth would be mine. She has been such a big part of my and my brother's lives. Because of this relationship, Emily is the closest cousin I have, though she is a great deal younger than I.

Em has always been great. For some reason being an only child did not have an adverse effect on her. She has, in fact, always been exceptionally mature for her age. When I was in college, my friends and I went on monthly "Girl's Night Outs". At that point, Em was about 12 or 13, and she would come along with my college friends and I out to dinner, movies, shopping... I only hope we were a positive influence!! When she was a child she used to come to visit and we would get out the box of all my old Barbie dolls with all the clothes and furniture and play with them for hours. It's been neat watching her grow up.

The past year has been very special. She has grown into such a beautiful and talented young lady, and has begun her senior year in high school. She also starting attending the church where I have been volunteering in student ministry. I have had the opportunity to watch her grow in Jesus the past few months, and just two weeks ago, got to watch her get baptized. I can't tell you how overwhelmed I felt seeing her take this step. God has blessed her with so many gifts, and I can see the potential of what is to come. I am thrilled at the prospect of how God is going to work in her life.

Today she turned 18, and it was emotional for her parents and for me. Wasn't it just last week that we were playing Barbies on the floor of my bedroom? Today she has her own car, is making plans for senior pictures and for going to college. It blows me away to see how time has passed. But Jesus has been in it, and I am so grateful for the relationship He has given us.

Here is a picture, isn't she beautiful?