This week, our eldest granddaughter turned 18 years of age, that magical threshold when a child crosses over into adulthood.
Kylie’s been adulting for a while – she’s in NHS and theatre, has a part-time job, drives herself to and from school and makes wise decisions.
As she’s already been accepted into the college of her dreams, there’s not a lot of time to make sure we’ve prepared her for life away from home.
Before you head off to college, my dear, sweet, wonderful granddaughter, in no particular order, here’s a few last-minute bits of advice.
Register to vote. It’s an incredible way to have a say in how your government conducts business, especially on the local level.
You’ll meet people with good intentions and those with not-so-good intentions. Knowing the difference will serve you well.
Be open to meeting new people. Find out about their customs, culture, likes and dislikes. Understand not all will be people you want to keep in your life.
Get rid of people detrimental to your personal growth and character. Don’t feel bad about crossing them off your list. Human parasites will drain you of positive energy.
Forgive when it’s right to forgive. Some people don’t deserve forgiveness. Accept that and move on.
Don’t get a credit card unless you can pay the balance in full each month. Compound interest is the most powerful force in the universe, and it can sink you. If you can’t pay cash, don’t get it.
Pay attention to the details, from choosing classes to buying a car to renting your first apartment. Read the fine print.
When considering a potential partner in life, examine how they live their life. Small bad habits turn into big bad habits. Conversely, good habits turn into fabulous habits.
Notice how they treat their family. Are they still on good terms? Does the family laugh or treat holidays and people in a respectful manner? Do they have lots of friends or co-workers or do they find fault with everyone around them. If so, run, don’t walk, away.
Don’t stay in a job or profession you don’t love. Life is too short to be miserable. In fact, the gift of life is too short to be anything less than enthusiastic about everything.
Come visit us when you can but remember we’ll understand when you don’t come. You’ve got a big life to live, my sweet granddaughter and that means you’re out there exploring the world. That makes me much happier than an afternoon where we sit and watch “Wicked” for the 10th time.
Be kind to your sister. In this world, our sisters are our soulmates, even though you want to wring her neck. One day soon, she will turn into your best friend for life. I speak from experience.
Trust your relatives, especially the strong women you have in your lineage. They’ve forged a path for you. Follow but make your own way.
Enjoy college. In fact, enjoy every step of the way as you move through life.
See the world. See this big, beautiful planet with your own eyes. Ski down a mountain covered with quiet snow. Sit on a warm beach and enjoy the sunset. Snorkel in crystal clear waters, lunch at a mom-and-pop diner and walk the streets of a big, bustling city.
Find something to do in your leisure time that brings you joy. If that’s puzzles, do that. If it’s writing music or lyrics, sit down at a desk and get busy.
No matter where you are or what you do, create incredible memories.
Happy 18th birthday to our dear, sweet, smart, talented, loving and beautiful granddaughter. Blow out the candles on your cake and make your dreams come true.
That’s our birthday, and lifelong, wish for you.
This column was originally published in The Fort Bend Herald.