For most people, their 18th birthday is one of great importance. Legally, it means that they are old enough to vote, go to war, and are deemed "adults". Most 18 year olds find themselves just graduating from high school at that age and entering college, or getting ready for their next life journey. For my 18th birthday, I was getting ready to begin my first year of college and ecstatic that I would be able to vote in that fall's presidential election. I had made sure to know as much as I could about all of the candidates so that I could not only vote, but make an educated decision as to what party I felt represented my own beliefs. I did vote that fall, very proudly. The candidate that I had voted for did win and I was happy to know that my one vote had made somewhat of a difference.

My parents were at a bit of a loss as to how to celebrate my 18th birthday. Since my birthday fell so close to the time I was leaving for college, they decided to throw me an 18th birthday party and going away party all at the same time. At first, I was a bit disappointed with that, thinking that it would be more of a sad occasion. Once the time actually arrived, it turned out to be a wonderful time.

My mother had come up with the idea of throwing a huge bash at our house. She wanted the two major reasons for celebration to remain separate even though it was one big party. Putting her creative abilities to work, she turned the inside of our house into the going away party. Outside, in our backyard, was where we'd celebrate my 18th birthday. She had a cake made for each occasion and decorations as well. She split the food into the two areas so that people would have to wander back and forth between the two "parties" that were occurring. I absolutely loved it and adored her for having come up with the idea and putting so much effort into making it a wonderful day for me.

It has now been many years since my own 18th birthday, and that unique party still holds the record as being my absolute favorite. My own daughter is still years away from that significant age and I can't imagine what the world will be like when she turns 18. I do know, that I want her 18th birthday to be just as special as mine was. Her birthday also falls right after she'll be graduating, so I may end up doing exactly what my mother had done for me. She'll love it.