It is now official: Marlies is now thirteen years old, meaning that she qualifies as a full-fledged teenager in and out. A very happy moment in time that we have celebrated in true style the whole day.

That means that half my children have grown up already to become real live future adults. Makes me feel good as a proud parent, but at the same time thinking twice about how quickly the time of youth is flying by. Vicarious youth. It is important to give them sufficient attention. Believe me, I do that perhaps in an extreme manner, because I am by nature an overly sentimental person. At then same time, you do not want to smother them too much. Just give them enough breathing room, and let them go.

Someday, someday soon. Mentally this becomes a difficult exercise in surrender.

Enjoy things while they last.