Best friends + birthday wishes

 If you visit here often, then I'm sure you'll know who's in that picture with me without an explanation.

But, just in case you're new here, that girl is Jordan.

My best friend.

My soul mate.

My other half.

The sister I never had (until 8 years ago).

 The reason I am where I am today. 

And today is her birthday. Her 19th birthday, to be exact.

But don't let her age fool you. To say that she is wise beyond her years would be the understatement of the year.

 

Most people share their "love stories" in blogland, but considering the fact that I don't have one of those, I'm going to share my "best friend story" -- which is still a love story of sorts.

Jordan's parents grew up in and around our hometown, and then moved to a town about 25 minutes away to start their family. But when Jordan was around 9, and her brother 14, their parents moved them back to good 'ole Edgecombe County. 

And I'll never be able to thank God enough for that.

Jordan started at the middle school in the 5th grade, when I was in the 6th. Our brothers were both in the 9th grade. Long story short, they became fast friends and Jordan's family had an in-ground pool at their new house and Hunter was dying to go over there to hang out with Jacob (her brother) but my dad would only let him go on one condition ---- "take your sister with you". Hunter's reply "no problem, Jacob has a little sister". My reply "but she's younger than me..."

JUST KIDDING. 

Kinda.

Anyway, my brother and I headed over to Jordan and Jacob's and the rest is literally history.

Jordan,

You'll read every bit of this later today in your birthday card, but I want everyone here to know just how much of an impact you've had on me. You are my best friend. I just can't say that enough. You make my bad days better and my good days even greater. You make me want to be a better person every single day. Your compassion, your ambition, your strength and courage, your feisti-ness, your playfulness, and most importantly --- your faith in our Lord. I will never, ever, ever be able to fully express just how grateful I am that you're my best friend and that our Lord chose me to be yours. I guess he knew how much I needed you in my life at that time. I can't imagine ever going through a day in my life without you, and God knows I hope I never have to. You are my rock, my anchor, and the light of my life. You've never given up on me no matter what wrong decisions I've made, whether it was about boys, school, or what I wanted to cook for dinner. 

Here's to you, Jo.

For all that you've been, all that you are, and all that you're going to be.

I love you more than you will ever know.

Happy Birthday!

I hope it's the very best, because it's what you deserve and so. much. more.

I can't wait to see you later, today!! 

**Warning: Picture Overload**

 

 

xo