18

Lauren has always done things her way. She doesn't necessarily choose the easy way, the most common method or even a path that makes sense to the world around her but she stays true to her bold, beautiful self no matter what. She is stubborn and passionate, strong and determined, exhausting and hilarious. There wasn't a parenting season where she didn't exasperate us while simultaneously entertain us. There were days she brought me to tears from laughter and then moments when the tears were far more intense. Raising Lauren has been challenging and rewarding. With her heels dug firmly into the soil, she will stand against whatever injustice she perceives, so being her friend or sister has it's perks. No one crosses someone Lauren loves without being called out for it. Guiding her to see that she too deserves to be respected has been quite a journey but she's arrived. We are ready to watch her soar. Too many times throughout her childhood we prayed for God to use her stubborn streak for His glory. It's exciting to see what He has in store for her future. Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Happy eighteenth birthday, Lauren.