I turn 18 soon

I turn 18 soon, and by most standards, I am an adult at that point. I can do all those things that before I could not. I can go to clubs, buy porn and cigarettes, own property, and move out of my parent’s home. Nothing really changes though; I will still be the same person that I was the day before when I was 17. If I was immature at 17, I’ll still be immature at 18. If I made bad decisions at 17, I’ll make bad decisions at 18. The only thing that changes is that my parents are no longer responsible for my actions. They can no longer tell you what to do or what not to do. Yes, they are still your parents, but at this point they have to trust that they have done their best and have raised you well. They have to know that you will make stupid choices, do stupid things, and get your heart broken even if they try to protect you. They have to be strong when they see you doing things that aren’t good for you, and simply point them out to you or give you advice. Then, they have to sit back and let you live your life and learn from your mistakes. They have to remember that when they were your age they made bad decisions too, and that they too wanted to be allowed to make them and learn from them. Granted, I have learned a lot from my Momma, who raised me, and Justin (my Dad) who has come into my life more recently. All I can say to my Momma to offer any kind of assurance is that I have learned from the mistakes I’ve made, and that those around me have made. I will not make the same mistakes that she made. I will make new ones, but I will always be ok in the end. She has done a fantastic job raising me, if I do say so myself. I am not a typical teenage girl. I’m not doing those things that most my age are. I am a pretty good kid, and no thanks to myself. My Momma is my hero, and always will be. Most kids don’t want to be anything like their parents, but I only hope I can be half the wife and mother that she is. She is Super Woman. So, I may make mistakes, but I will always have a family that loves me and is there for me. I know that if I’m in doubt about something, I can always go to my parents and get their advice, which I may not always listen to, but I will do my best. I know that my Momma got where she is now through years of hardship and heartbreak, and she doesn’t want me to have to do the same. I will try my best not to disappoint her, but the best I can do is always follow my heart, even when it doesn’t make sense. She has taught me that a woman’s intuition is a valuable tool is navigating life, and as long as you listen to it, you will be ok. My Grandpa and Justin have both shown me the type of man that I want to marry, and what true love looks like. I know that the next few years will be rough, but not intolerable, and that in the end I will make everybody proud.