I crossed a very significant milestone in my life tonight. It wasn’t an act of earth shattering difference, but it was very significant to me. I know you might think that this is me on the drama soapbox again, but truth of the matter is, I really find myself introspecting about things which I have previously thought of as mundane. My youngest child, my daughter Angela, turned 13 today.

No biggy, right? I mean, I’ve done this three times before with the boys, with not so much as a blink, by me, other than of course, taking care of the festivities. But it’s come to me that this is it…no more babies in the nest. She is starting to spread her pretty little fledgling wings, and I am not anticipating her solo ventures (although of course I will support her growing into a strong, intelligent independent young woman).

We went to dinner at Blue Ribbon Park Slope, because Erik was working tonight and wanted to see her to give her his present, but also because it’s one of the places she loves. She ordered her Shirley Temple, and asked for the Lobster Dinner, while Jerry and I watched her, almost furtively, afraid to see the young woman morph out of the perfect chrysalis of her girlhood right before our eyes.

How proud am I of this little girl, who is growing into such a compassionate, intuitive, brilliant and beautiful young woman? Thirteen years ago, tonight, she entered my life and changed it forever…tomorrow, I must start to prepare for her departure into the adventure that will be the rest of her life.

Sigh…I guess I can hope for grandchildren, one day…