Oh Happy Day

I feel extraordinarily blessed to have a few really close friends. They live in different places and entered my life at completely different times. I say with all sincerity (and minus my usual sarcasm) that I cherish the unique role they each play in my life. Oh, and in case they haven’t figured this out yet, no matter where I go or what I do, they are stuck with me!

One of those friends has a birthday today. HURRAY!!!

She is smart and capable. Funny and kind. She is beautiful on the inside and out. She gives her love freely. She’s an amazing mom. She’s always prepared – her purse is like a traveling Amazon.com – you need it, she’s got it. She’s the kind of gal you want to take on a road trip because she’s up for the adventure and likes to drive while you enjoy the scenery. Oh, and this is very important: in case things go south, she’s always got your back.

In countless ways my friend is incredibly blessed and she will acknowledge that wholeheartedly. On the other hand, she has faced and still faces some tremendous adversity in her life.

There are so many people who would have already gone off the deep end by now. Given up. Stopped fighting.

She doesn’t give up. She doesn’t throw in the towel. Even when the burden feels unbearable and others don’t understand, she gets up day after day and focuses on what’s most important to her – family.

I think of her when I hear Andra Day sing Rise Up. If you haven’t heard this anthem yet, stop right now and listen to it.

Some of the lyrics: 
You’re broken down and tired
Of living life on a merry-go-round
And you can’t find the fighter
But I see it in you so we gonna walk it out
And move mountains
We gonna walk it out
And move mountains

And I’ll rise up
I’ll rise like the day
I’ll rise up
I’ll rise unafraid
I’ll rise up
And I’ll do it a thousand times again
And I’ll rise up
High like the waves
I’ll rise up
In spite of the ache
I’ll rise up
And I’ll do it a thousand times again
For you


I never thought I’d quote Brad Garrett, but there’s a first time for everything.

“You take away all the other luxuries in life, and if you can make someone smile and laugh, you have given the most special gift: happiness.”

Thank you friend. Thank you for countless smiles and countless laughs. You brighten the world. You brighten my world. Your story is not finished and I have no doubt it will turn out better than you ever imagined.

Happy birthday.