Somebody Get A Wheelchair.-We're Having A Birthday!

It's belated. Oh well. I told her on her actual birthday and gave her a card (there is a story with this card) and some chocolate...That is about as good as it got because it was Friday and I was at Camp so I couldn't throw her a legitimate party. *cue the sad trombone* Anyway, our crazy and mildly insane dear, sweet Brooklyn French turned 18 on July 3rd! So next time you see her, be sure to excitedly tell her happy birthday. Even three months later. Really. Its fun. ;)

Now for the story behind the card:
I went to Walmart to get some things for camp at the last minute (and I mean, I should've been packed and almost ready to leave for Thursday's evening service...but instead I was racing around trying to get last minute things so I could pack and get ready to leave. It was legitimately last minute.) and grabbed a card and a particular chocolate that is so addicting that you will never escape from its clutches once it gets you in its grasp. Well, it was pretty loud in Walmart. I don't know if you realized it or not, but Saturday was the Fourth of July, which is traditionally celebrated in America with parties, fireworks, lots of outdoors-y activities, etc. Which means that everyone and their brothers where at Walmart. So I was picking out a card and one caught my eye...It had a pretty little picture that reminded me of Brooklyn and myself when we were younger. It had a cute little quote about how friends are always there and blah blah. I opened it and it said happy birthday from the friend that will always be here or something to that effect. I noticed that it played music but I couldn't understand what it was playing. I liked the wording on the card so I decided to just go ahead and get it...Then I got in the car and realized what the little song was...I'm not 100% for sure, but I think it was "I'll Be There" from the Jackson 5. (I looked this up. I don't listen to this nonsense. Promise.) There was a slight problem. Part of the snippet that they used was hard to understand except for one phrase. "Baby, I'll be there" So I of course, had to explain to Brooklyn what had happened so that she wouldn't be utterly creep-ed out by it. We definitely got a good laugh from it though.-But hey, the chocolate was good, right? ;)

Anyway, I honestly do count it a privilege to be considered her friend. We have been friends since we were little people and I can't say that it has been smooth sailing the whole way. From uninviting each other to our nonexistent future weddings (as small children mind you. This wasn't last week!) to a few years ago when we managed to grow apart and travel down different paths for a while, we've had some bumps in the road. Okay, some of them were more like Oklahoma pot holes, but you know. I'm glad that this past year has brought us back together where we can hang out together and get mani-pedi's (Iee haa Chinese een mie famuhlee. Mie mom name Kim.) or we can link up and fight some battles in the Holy Ghost. Life has thrown us some curve balls, but regardless of what has happened, I can say that Brooklyn has been a true friend and I'm glad to call her one.

I'm proud of you Brooklyn and I can't wait to see how all God is going to use you and your testimony for His glory! Keep your chin up! :)
xo,
Lauren

(And yes, you should feel very special. This is an entire post dedicated to you. ;D)