Genuine Teen-Ager

Well, I now officially have 2 teen-agers at my house. Just put me in a home. I don't usually talk about my kids because I said from the start that this is not going to be a mom blog. And I am selfish..this is not about them, this is about me. But I thought just this once, I'd make an exception. Hayley turned 13 today (pictured below) You have no idea how old this makes me feel. Way too depressing. It was also a bittersweet day for me..

My grandfather started making these ribbons (pictured top) when my mother turned 13. She still has hers and so do both her sisters. We as grandchildren were also privileged to sport these badges of honor when we became "genuine teenagers"...I even remember pestering grandpa on several occasions about mine, just in case he might forget to make it.  Of course he didn't. And I LOVE that it's almost all pink!  Sadly, by the time my oldest turned 13, he was not well and then passed away over a year ago. I am rather annoyed he wouldn't live long enough to make sure each one of his great-grandchildren got one...Dang it, grandpa! As you can see, Hayley has to make do with a stupid store bought one that is grossly inadequate...Dang it, grandpa! I feel so betrayed. It's funny how little things like this become some of the greatest treasures. I keep it in a scrapbook and never even really think about it, but it would be 1 of 2 things I would grab if my house was on fire. The other being my autograph from Aidan Quinn. Screw the wedding pictures...


             *footnote*
                         Even though grandpa's gone, I'd like to think he was watching her today and smiling. He would be very proud of her and I know he would say: " I wish I was there so I could make one for you." ...I wish he could too...and hers so totally would've been pink ...just like mine...