As a wife and mother, I have learned that birthday celebrations aren't just special for the birthday girl/boy.

When my husband's birthday rolls around, I have my own reason to celebrate.  My life as I know it (from age 16) would not be the same.  I celebrate his life and our life together.  When my children have birthdays - not only do I celebrate their life, I celebrate my accomplishment of giving birth to them and raising them everyday...{and not choking the life out of them when my patience runs thin}.

Today I am celebrating my best friend's birthday.

 

 

Kristie is my cousin Robert's wife.  We met years ago.  She was gracious enough to allow us into her home, to stay with them while we visited...and then to stay again after my grandfather passed away.  I believe that my grandfather's death directly affected our relationship, bringing out the best in all of us.  And many years later....here we are.

 

 

I love her for many reasons.  Too many to count.

We like many of the same things - like music.

 

And that fact alone has sent us on MANY adventures.

 

 

And with each adventure, the tie that binds us together grew stronger.

 

Most of all, my favorite quality about her is how she cares.

She loves me in spite of all my quirkiness.

She helps me get through life's everyday obstacles.

She loves my family.  My kids call her Aunt Kristie and they have since a very young age.  That wasn't prompted by anyone.  I think they naturally feel love from her the way they would from an aunt.  They miss her when we aren't with her.

She has cared for some of the people that I hold near and dear to my heart.

The reasons why I love her are countless.

Today, even though we are twelve hundred miles away from each other, I am celebrating the birth of my best friend...

And counting the days until I see her again.

Happy Birthday, Kristie!  I hope your day is filled with relaxation and happiness.