Happy Birthday, Whitney!

Today is a really special day for me, and a lot of other people I know. It’s my friend, Whitney’s, 50th birthday. This is my friend who went through breast cancer and treatment, well, still dealing with it all really. And it’s all still very hard on her.

The point is, today could have been a very different kind of day for us all. My friend could be gone from us, but she’s still alive and kicking. I want to wish her a very public happy birthday, and let her know how incredibly loved she is.

Whitney has known me for most of our lives. We’ve walked through some pretty awful situations together. She’s helped me keep going through some pretty awful stuff recently, as well as in our distant past. She’d downplay her role, though. That’s how she is. She’s just an amazing human.

She’s tenacious, kind, considerate, caring, and fiercely loyal. To those who know and love her, our lives are better because she’s in it. She’s dealt with more than her fair share of heartache, and loss. And she still keeps on going. Keeps on loving people, and giving of herself to those she loves.

Whitney, I love you so very much, and I pray for beautiful and amazing things for you. Not just on your birthday, but every day. You deserve so much better than you’ve been handed, and I wish I could make everything so much easier on you.

Happy birthday, my precious friend! I’m so glad you’re in my life.

P.S. I’m also fiercely protective of you, Whit. If you ever need me to stand up on your behalf, I’ll do it. No questions asked. I want it publicly known how precious you are to me. Thank you for loving me.

Braundi