She's 18!

[OneOfOurLilkasIsMissing]

10 years ago today, I was doing introductions with her and she was so young and small

And now after a decade of challenges and achievements, great days and horrible days, celebrations and trials...everything from school issues, to therapy, to bringing a new brother home, to the most challenging behaviour I could imagine, to her GCSE results, and move to college, and contact...

WE MADE IT

All the way to adulthood
I'm so proud of her today
She didn't have a great childhood all said and done, since it started terribly, and then the rest of it was shaped by that. But she's a survivor and a fighter and always will be, and we've had some wonderful times over the last 10 years
And I wonder what young adulthood is going to bring for her.

But WE MADE IT HERE, TOGETHER, AS A FAMILY!

Happy birthday DD2, my precious little girl How much duller would my life be without you in it? Immeasurably so. I couldn't love anyone more fiercely or unconditionally than you

I'm not holding it together well today!

Wow.

I am crying because your thread is so touching.
What a lovely girl you have and you are truly an inspirational mum.
You love her so much and this love has helped her to achieve so much that she probably couldn't have done without you.
Congratulations, and I hope you are just as proud of yourself as you are of dd. so much for sharing your lovely story.

Happy belated 18th birthday, Lilka's DD! I am pleased that you all had a lovely few days.

I think you definitely deserve all the compliments, and more. Your OP is so heartwarming.

Oh, and calories eaten for birthdays don't count, I read it somewhere so it's a fact.

Just seen this! What a lovely post. Congratulations to you both and the rest of your family xxx

Happy bday to her

What a lovely thread!

Congratulations middle Lilka.
DD2 is testament to your wonderful parenting!
You are kind enough to help us novice parents too and give us hope x
Thank you x

Happy Birthday to her and well done to both of you
You must feel so proud

Happy birthday! 2 special milestones. It is inspirational. Definitely. So happy for your family.