joyful girl

it’s been a very busy past week, so i’m late in a couple of important birthday shout-outs.

firstly, last friday was sharon’s birthday.  she used to blog, but doesn’t anymore, so i can’t link to her.  i first met sharon just over eight years ago at my church in cincinnati.  six months later, i was living with her, her husband and two daughters.  over the course of the next two years, they became my family in the deepest sense possible besides biological.  sharon has taught me a lot of what i know about being a mother by her example, and is one of the most creative, expressive people i know.  she has always held me accountable, but managed to make me feel loved unconditionally at the same time.  and she still does, in spite of the fact that we don’t have time to see each other much anymore.  she has always supported me, as she does everyone she loves, and has taught me a lot about forgiveness and being real.  i love you, sharon!  happy birthday!!

 yesterday was nikki’s birthday.  (again, she’s not blogging anymore, but she was a great writer when she did!)  nikki is a new friend, but you know what it’s like when you meet someone and you love them immediately, and you know you’re going to be great friends?  that’s nikki.  she is also honest and expressive, and i feel like i could be safe telling her my darkest secrets.  also, she sings a mean karaoke.  so, nikki, here’s to celebrating many more birthdays in the future!

stay warm today, dear ones!