Celine Turns 21

Celine Lowe Austria-Pascual

Being the first born, we experience a lot of parent’s first with Celine. First baby, first to see off to school, first baptism, to see graduate from primary, high school and senior school. Her turning 18, not too long ago, was also our first big party ever hosted.

Now, as she turn 21, there are a few quaint experiences too. For instance, she received a birthday card from the local parliament representative. I’m sure everyone who turns 21 gets it – it’s a welcome and a reminder that she is now old enough – not just to vote, but to actively participate in the political process. If they’ll ever have a voice – now is the time to start exercising them. It will only get louder or subdued as they get older – depending on what they choose.

We also received a letter from our health insurance. Her birthday would mean that she no longer qualify as a dependent and she must have her own cover already. Fortunately, they left an option that for as long as Celine is a full time university student, she can remain as a dependent to age 25. Since she decided to enroll full time this year – we continue to have her under our wings. But there’s a bit of angst knowing that sooner or later – our Celine would leave the nest.

What cemented it though was my neighbor Dave – when I told him that Celine turns 21 – he said “Congratulations”. That’s new, when they were 13 going 30, you get that silent grin that says – “good luck, you’re in for the tough times”. It was really not that tough with Celine and Jessica …. ok – just a bit … or … well, you know how it is 🙂

Congratulations – he said. Does that mean our work is done? Is the parent’s work really done? What do you think?

Celine’s Twenty-One Blog can be read at her website. – Dad of Celine

These photos including the main photo were taken by Celine herself. Often times, she would need a headshot for her auditions. Short of money and time but not of resourcefulness, she would take her own headshots to clip to her resume.