I Don't Know About You... But I'm Feelin' 22.

Happiest of birthdays to my life-long friend and sister (by love). She turns 22 today. I feel so blessed to have known her for as long as 12 years. When you first meet at 8 and 10 years old, and you've known a person for 12 years, it feels like such a long time! 

I've learned so much from her over the years and there is so much that I love about her and I want to share them:

She taught me how to love God.
She taught me how to love myself.
She taught me about fashion.
She taught me how to sew (barely).
She showed me how to study the Bible. 
She showed me the importance of books.
She showed me that makeup doesn't matter... that what's on the inside counts.
She gave me a love for coffee (of all kinds).
She gave me my love for How I Met Your Mother, Friends, Seinfeld, and The Office.
She gave me a love for all different kinds of music. 
She shows compassion for the weary. 
She doesn't keep a record of every wrongdoing a person does to her.
She loves even those who hurt her and willingly forgives them. 
She stands up for herself and doesn't let anything or anyone stand in her way.
She is strong and strong-willed.
She is intelligent and wise... way beyond her 22 years.
She is the sweetest person you could ever meet. She wouldn't hurt a fly. But she definitely could.
She is always there when you need her... even if she doesn't get back to you right away.
She is an amazing friend, even when you aren't one back to her. 
She is honest and loyal.
She is patient.
She is loving and lovable. . . . all 5"2' of her.

Happy Birthday, girl. I wish I could share this special day with you. Since I can't, I'm hoping that this will show you just how much I appreciate you and your beautiful presence in my life. Our lives were perfectly fabricated on that summer day in June of 2004, where we would meet and become friends. I didn't know then what impact you would have on my life as of today. However, I can honestly say you were one of the greatest gifts I could have ever been given, because I can't picture a single second of my life without you. Thank you for being who you are, loving who I am, and for always staying true to yourself. Thank you for being so much like a sister than just a friend. I love you so much. Have a happy birthday and enjoy this beautiful day!