My special friend is....

I have a very special friend who had a birthday today. She is one in a million. I know that sounds cliche' but it's true. She really is one in a million. She is so kind. She is willing to accept people for who they are and excited to serve and love them. She is patient. She is friendly. She will sacrifice her wants so those she loves can have "more". She is interested in people...really interested. She asks questions because she truly wants to know what's going on with "you". She is dedicated to choosing the right. I love that about her. Even if she stands alone, she still stands. She is rooted and isn't ashamed of it, but she's not overly proud or self-righteous about it either.

My special friend has cried many, many times with me, whether it be face to face or on the phone. She cries. My special friend has a way of looking at life that brings out the best in people, in situations, in predicaments. She's so willing to give people the benefit of doubt. My special friend is full of knowledge and light. Her eyes glow with happiness and truth.

My special friend cares so much about others. My special friend has lived a good life...had some hard times and some fun times. She has a wonderful family. My special friend loves everyone. My special friend is one who has a deep love for children and what they have to offer the world and people individually.


My special friend is someone who has changed my life. She has influenced me to be a better person. To accept people, even with different values, standards, beliefs, ideas, and lifestyles, for who they are. She has taught me that discipline, when done correctly, can be one of the greatest acts of love & service. She has taught me there is more to life than just "me". This world is here for our learning, for our developing, for our enjoyment. This world is a gift from God. Our lives are gifts. Our families are gifts. Our knowledge is a gift. Our experiences, though they be hard, are gifts.

My special friend is my Grandmother. I am so happy to say...and to say honestly...that my Grandmother is one of my best friends. I love her so much. I treasure her. She is absolutely beautiful.

(Happy birthday to my beautiful, special Grandmother!)

Here are a few pictures from her birthday party this past weekend:

Three siblings: My Great-Uncle Ike (the oldest), Great-Uncle Verl (the youngest), and my beautiful Grandmother

My Grandmother is so kind! She let her great-grandchildren help her open her gifts because she knew it would bring them joy.

After putting on a wonderful (musical) play/skit for Grandmother and helping her open presents the children swarmed her with hugs and kisses.

Grandmother with her great-grand daughter, Kimber.

Grandmother with her great grand son, Brendon. These two have a special relationship. Brendon is so kind and loving towards her. It's wonderful to observe.

After the skit my dad, her son, got up and said some kind words to honor her. He ended by telling her, "...a quality individual who, not only myself, but anyone in this room can go to and seek advise from. I want you to know that there isn't anyone in this room that doesn't love you, starting with me. So, happy birthday. I love you." Afterwords, my Aunt Carol came running in and got us all singing to our beloved birthday girl. (sorry about the video taping! I'm NOT pro, as you'll quickly learn! I was trying to get a shot of everyone there and ended up making myself motion sick. But you get the idea!)

There should be a triangle somewhere on the sqare below for you to click on. This is a video recording ;)

It's so obvious my Grandmother is loved by her siblings, children (my dad and Aunt Carol), her grand children, her great grand children, and so many others who attended the party. My Aunt Carol spent hours and hours preparing and it paid off. It was a wonderful night of celebration.

I love you Grandmother. Happy birthday!