17.
Seventeen.
This kid who was once six and Southern-sounding as all get out.
This girl who changed her own name when she was nine and politely insisted that her third grade class refer to her as “Riley” henceforth.
This waif who won my momma’s heart from the first hug as she wrapped her teeny arms around my mother’s neck as soon as they met.
This team player who agreed to don full Little House on the Prairie clothes and enter a Laura Ingalls Look-Alike contest.
This mini-athlete who wore a series of ill-fitting jerseys through every season of rec. league soccer with her daddy as her coach.
This new teen who embraced an out-of-state move in the middle of junior high.
This eager driver who is anxious to get behind the wheel of a moving machine any chance she gets.
This lass who stole our hearts at six and pronounced my name as if it was “Lice-eee”.
Seventeen.
I cannot really believe it.
I cannot bear that so much time has passed between then and now.
Between six and seventeen.
(But when has my lack of belief in the speed of time’s passing ever slowed its progress?)
Happy Birthday Riley.
11 Comments
Timber McDougall
I remember that cute little girl who has now become a beautiful younge women…. Wow….. I feel old ….
LaceyKeigley
Ha!
I think we ARE old. 🙂
Josh King
I do remember when Riley was 6. I do remember when she was the only one.
Sherry
I remember that little voice as well. She stole everyones heart. Its hard to believe how much she has grown up. I love that kid!!!Give her big hugs from us…..or better yet…bring her to visit so we can hug her in person!
Gretchen
My goodness……..seriously it is not possible!!! So I do not want to be a sap……..so what did you all do to celebrate 17? Oh my??? I really do not believe she is that old…………..b/c therefore I am older………….hmmmmm. 🙂 Tell her happy birthday!!! 🙂
shelley
I could cry! She can't possibly be 17. But then my oldest will be 19 this year . . . and graduating . . . and going to college. As I said . . . I could cry!
LaceyKeigley
I know.
I watched you and two of your beautiful children sitting in church last night and was in awe of how grown and kind and grown they were!
College.
Many sighs.
Jane
I always get excited when I see a post about Riley…you should write more of them.
LaceyKeigley
Okay – but you know – there's so much more pressure when writing about her.
Jesse Wickstrum
And 18 is just around the corner. 😉
LaceyKeigley
Yikes.
No need to remind me.