Happy Birthday Friend

Today my Best Friend Genessa turns 30! Happy Birthday Genessa!  So Genessa and I met 15 years ago in Mr. Seaver’s Freshman English class.  It was the first period of the first day of school. We had to do this project where we had to pick a song and translate what it was saying in our own words.  She picked a Nas song “If I ruled the world” and I picked a song from Pocahontas “Colors of the Wind”…. I have no idea why I would pick that song… probably because people used to call me Pocahontas… too bad I am not Native American but Irish and Japanese.  From that first period class until now Genessa and I have been closer than pickles in a pickle jar. (LOL).

We are two complete opposites but we give each other advice, help each other through life’s trials and tribulations, we are each other’s shoulder to cry on and the voice on the other end of a phone. We have had some crazy experiences together, we have shared in some trying times and she has supported me through the last 11 years of my military career.  I couldn’t ask for a better friend and sister. She isn’t just my friend she is my family.

Although today may not be a happy day because the reality of 30 is clear. The last 15 years have been full of great memories with you friend and I can only hope that in 15 years we can celebrate 30 years of friendship. So to my only non-military affiliated Best Friend (that means our friendship can endure all) thank you for being you and most of all thank you for being my friend.

I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts,
or fears. But I can listen to you, and together we will
search for answers.

I can't change your past with all it's heartache and pain,
nor the future with its untold stories.
But I can be there now when you need me to care.

I can't keep your feet from stumbling.
I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.

Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine;
Yet I can share in your laughter.

Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge;
I can only support you, encourage you,
and help you when you ask.

I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship,
from your values, from me.
I can only pray for you, talk to you and wait for you.

I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you,
But I can give you the room to change, room to grow,
room to be yourself.

I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting,
But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces
and put them back in place.

I can't tell you who you are.
I can only love you and be your friend.

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