When E left for the military 5 years ago, I knew we would miss a lot of things but it's celebrating his birthday I miss most. He turns 24 today, this is birthday 6 that we aren't throwing a big party. He's in a different country and for him, yesterday was his birthday.  

I struggle being so far from him, but there is that instant you look or talk to your child that you realize how much of an adult they are. They become the people you guided them to be. He is the man he was destined to be. It does not matter that to me he will always be my 5 year old asking me silly questions. 

Today, I ask you to share in Happy Birthday wishes, but also to remember to tell your kids how proud you are of them. Love them despite any hardships and love them through it.