19

Some days are more important in our lives as we grow up, and this is one of them - the day we turn 19. You see, legally where I live, certain rights are bestowed upon the newly 19 year old citizen, which indicate adulthood. Very important if you're a young person it seems, and reasonably so. I think in just about all cases, the primary urge of the youth is to be considered 'adult'.

The wisdom that breaks upon us as a tide coming in, later in our days only bestows the knowledge that youth was actually the elixir when it's too late to go back. Sad and ironic but true. The surest proof yet that whatever deity exists has a sense of humour.

Today is one of those days - when dreams of adult-hood come true and we celebrate. Not that youth is departing - for only parents see the departure of innocence as a loss. Rather we celebrate the achievement of a goal for the individual and quietly acknowledge to ourselves that they do grow up so fast.