Happy Birthday Julie!!!

Today is my dear friend's birthday! I can't believe she's 19 years old! Only one more year being a teenager. It seems like yesterday we were 6 running around bare feet, climbing trees, and playing with Barbies.
Those who know her, know that she truly and sincerely cares about the people around her. When I think of Julie and the friendship we have had, I think of the song "For Good" in the musical Wicked. Here are the lyrics:

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you:

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend:
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you:

Because I knew you:

I have been changed for good

And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for

But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share

And none of it seems to matter anymore

Like a comet pulled Like a ship blown
From orbit as it Off it's mooring
Passes a sun, like By a wind off the
A stream that meets Sea, like a seed
A boulder, half-way Dropped by a
Through the wood Bird in the wood

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better

Because I knew you:
I have been changed for good.

We have had our ups and downs in our friendship, but everybody does, right? I'm sorry for all the times I caused trouble. I'm grateful for the things that she has taught me and I have learned many things about life and about myself. I hope we continue to be friends, especially now because our lives are changing so much. She has changed my life for the better.

I'm grateful for her friendship and her example to me. She is so strong-willed and ready to change the world!

I love you Julie!!
Happy Birthday!!! You're 19!!! Woohoo!!! Have a great day!!!