Twenty-one. I've officially turned twenty-one. Twenty-one. It was no big deal, but I did more this year than in previous ones. I didn't do anything crazy or sensational but plainly enjoyed the day. One of my friends called me at midnight to wish me a Happy Birthday. It was a muggy day with some sun and sudden showers. Relatives also called in with birthday wishes. I spent the day with my family with talking and eating. I then fell asleep for a nap. Then around five o'clock one of my best friends and I went out to a buffet dinner at Green Jade and a movie, The Notebook at the Commons. An overall enjoyable day. What luck it was that we weren't caught in the rain, that we managed to find parking, that we got tickets and good seats to watch the movie. The movie was just romantic, hopeful, and touching. Other than that, nothing extreme, no surprises, no drinking. Well, it was pleasant and enjoyable�actually, better than expected. I know that despite the rollercoaster of ups and downs, all it comes down to are blessings in every form.

Twenty-one is not necessarily a big deal. It's just another milestone. I still feel like a teenager, suffering from the Peter Pan syndrome. I still don't know where life will take me, but I'll follow Aunt Jimsie's advice. ("Do your duty by God and your neighbor and yourself, and have a good time.") Here's to the life's rollercoaster and God's blessings.

Faith MCR, July 30, 2004