Rite of Passage

I thought of writing some sort of clever blog complete with photos to commemorate my youngest daughter's eighteenth birthday but it seemed too trite for this rite of passage. 18 is the year of majority in all things except consumption of alcoholic beverages. As of today she can vote, make a valid will, enter into binding contracts and enlist in the armed forces. If she commits a crime, she would not be tried in the criminal justice system rather than through the juvenile court system. She can also marry without my consent now.

As a father, I look at her rite of passage as one of my own as well because my children are all (more or less) grown up. There is a sobering realization in this that things have changed in a subtle way in my life. It doesn't mean I won't still pay the bills and that I'll stop being a father to my daughters, but it does diminish my responsibilities slightly.

She's getting a really cool presents - she got a new 2008 Honda Civic last year so it won't be that cool. We're going to Fleming's Steakhouse at Fashion Island (Newport Beach) for dinner to celebrate as a family. It's my favorite place to get a steak in Southern California and the dining facilities are better able to accept Kelly (10 months pregnant) and Griffin (3 months old) than the Dana Point Charthouse or other favorite destinations. Happy Birthday Emilie.