And here we have it, another fine lady hits the fabulous 40s! I know without a fraction of a doubt that I love this girl the way so many others do. And I'm okay with that. Because Carla here defines friendship at its BEST. I know I've gotta' share that with the world.
She makes every single person she encounters feel special.
She bends backwards and jumps hoops like Jordan himself to do this.
She loves my kids as though they were her own. And my hubby.
She even loves my slobbery dogs.
She does not care if I my house is a mess or my roots are grey.
She doesn't even care if I'm not wearing a bra under my sweatshirt.
She loves to maco, just like me.
She has an encylopedic memory - good since I often can't remember last week (though bad because she remember me at 17).
She does not let the world just go by - she has stepped into it and made such a mark on the hearts of those around her. I am so very lucky to have you in my life.
So, happy birthday to my Carla Warla.
Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for creating joy and wiping tears, for offering hugs, cocktails and comfort, support, love and laughs for 30 years. Thank you for being there as I became who I am today, and every iteration of me I was since we were 10 years old. Thank you for being by my side when I married the love of my life, when my dad died and when my babies were baptized. Thank you for every ordinary day you've shared with me over the years. Thank you for sharing snow cones and rotis, stories and memories. Thank you for always, even in the midst of the noise and clutter of our messy lives, bringing moments to my life that have made me stronger, happier and hopeful. Thank you for defining some of the best of the human spirit - kindness and compassion.
So on your big 40, I raise my glass from too far away and say not only happy birthday but thanks. Thanks for being the real deal. I wish you a lifetime of days like today where you are surrounded by love and showered with happiness.
