A Sweet 16 Her Way!

Sweet Girl is turning 16, and like many milestones, it comes with its own challenges and joys. She’s autistic and has made it clear that traditional birthday parties aren’t her thing. Last year, when family came over to celebrate, her anxiety skyrocketed, and I ended up taking her on a drive to help her calm down. She didn’t want to miss out but couldn’t handle the chaos.

This year, we’re doing it differently. It’s her sweet 16, and it’ll be entirely on her terms. A walk on the beach to collect shells, an hour at the wetlands pretending I enjoy birds as much as she does, frozen yogurt for dinner, the biggest Squishmallow I can find, and a long night drive—just the two of us. That’s her dream celebration, not a party.

As her mom, I’ve learned to embrace these paradoxes—wanting the excitement of a celebration but not the overwhelm that comes with it. It’s a delicate balance, but honoring her preferences is what matters most.

So, here’s to sweet 16, celebrated in the way that makes her happiest. No balloons, no crowds—just the little things that bring her joy. And honestly, I think it’s going to be perfect.