There are a few moments in life that I believe truly take your breath away. It could be seeing fireworks for the first time, jumping out of an airplane, or accomplishing a goal that has taken blood, sweat, and tears to accomplish. Suddenly the moment arrives, and time stops. All is quiet, and perfect, and right for a moment. I recently had one of those moments.

I think it is fair to say out loud that I am a determined person. When I set my mind on a goal, I usually keep going until I get there. A little over twelve years ago, I met a five year old girl named Hannah, and was determined to be the best stepmother she could ever dream of. She deserved the best. Therefore, I decided at the wise age of twenty-five, that she could always count on me no matter what. No. Matter. What.

However, I knew that there would be tough years ahead. I am a stepdaughter myself, so even though I was young when I got married, I was not naive. I was fully aware that she would not be an amiable seven-year-old forever. So, I was not surprised nearly midway through her freshman year in high school that she started to turn.

The next couple of years were hard. There is no better word to describe being on the receiving end of annoyed looks, slammed doors, tears, long sighs, and separation. It was hard. Still, I was never surprised with any of it. My husband was, but I wasn’t. I just settled in, and rode it out. I knew she was in there, and I was willing to wait. She was still Hannah, just a teenage version.

Then one day, she woke up. Or, more accurately, life screamed in her face to wake up and grow up, because it was time. She was launching into her senior year of high school, about to embark on the real world, and she knew she wasn’t ready. She needed help, and miraculously reached out to the ones by her side the whole time.

A little while ago I received an amazing phone call that took my breath away. Hannah called to tell me she had submitted all of her college applications. She sounded proud and relieved, yet ready for what’s next. Meanwhile, I have never been more proud at any other moment in my life. She did it. Honestly, what was really special to me, was that she wanted to call and tell me she did it.

I am thankful everyday for all of the amazing everyday’s we’ve had together, but I am also looking forward to what’s next.