18 Years

The other day we got your cap and gown. Hello reality.  

This chapter is about to close. The book of this phase of your life is about to go to print.  From now on, the writing of your life is fully and completely in your own hands. I am figuratively passing the pen over to you.  What you choose to write into your future will now fully be your choice, and what a lot of choices that will be.  

On Feb 17, 2008, 18 not so long years ago, it was a leap year.  You were born a Gen Z, in the year of the Rat, with the star sign of Aquarius and the gemstone of Amethyst. Your life path number is 11. George W. Bush was President of the United States. LeBron James was labeled the MVP at the 57th NBA All Stars game.

On Feb 17, 2026, there is an incredible energy transforming as we move from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Fire Horse.  2025 was all about shedding the old and this year is about heat, speed, and an intensity that could feel overwhelming with rapid change.  I have no doubt this will be a speedy year for all of us; but I hope you allow the fire horse to ignite you. Allow the energy of passion to move you forward into the next phase of life.  Let the horse be the inspiration you need to consult who and what you plan to become.  I hope you use the energy to explore with curiosity and wisdom your vast interests. But I also hope you find ways to ground yourself and your values to the person you wish to become.  

In addition, your birthday this year falls on a new moon solar eclipse in Aquarius.  A new moon is a good time to reflect on what you want to bring into the new phase, and I wonder what that is for you.  To have a birthday fall on a day with a "ring of fire" solar eclipse is quite special. The energy of a solar eclipse encourages reflection and renewal and is a time of great spiritual transformation. The experts say that this particular eclipse is about friendship, fellowship, group activities, social pursuits, and trying something new.  It can bring challenge to these matters and present opportunities for new beginnings, and they say that long-term changes are in the works. 

Feb 17, 2026 also lands on Mardi Gras. The celebration to mark the beginning of the Lenton season from your Catholic roots.  I know you haven't been going to church as of late, but I do hope and pray that you make your way into a great spiritual community in Auburn.  The word from the kids already at Auburn say that church is an important part of the campus community, and I hope you find a healthy home for that with people you can trust and count on. 

We can all see the theme here.  There is big energy for you this year and I pray you use it wisely.  I pray you see the blessings in the momentum, but also choose time to rest and reflect.  You are grown up in most cases, with a half-man brain that isn't quite done developing yet.  I hope you'll take the things we have taught you along the way, ask our advice, and pause to reflect before making decisions.  It has been a joy and privilege to raise you and I look forward to watching you shine! 

Happy Birthday to my beautiful baby boy!