There are countless milestones and rites of passage in the lives of our children, but none have quite the impact of turning 21. We can heave that great sigh of relief that they are now ‘legal’. Don’t get me (or my newly 21-year-old) started on the legal drinking age, but let’s just say I am thrilled to announce my offspring have kept the track record of not getting ticketed (or worse) for underage drinking or fake/borrowed IDs. Quite the feat in a Big 10 college town.
All that nonsense aside, becoming an adult has little to do with chronological age. My boy has done me proud in the grown-up department way before he crossed this legal threshold, without ever losing the lightness of heart of the child he once was. His 4th grade teacher called him a happy go lucky deep thinker, and that description still fits him perfectly.
Happy 21st Birthday, Danny boy, may you always keep your sense of self. And may you stay forever young. We love you.
i could cry but i don't have time 
Very nicely writen. You are justifiably proud of your lovely son.
I hope someday to cross paths with this young man…Happy Birthday Danny! 🙂
Sweet!
Happy Birthday, Danny! 21, wow.