amanda faith.

Yesterday was Mandy's Birthday. It was weird not being with her on her birthday and celebrating in person. My favorite thing about our friendship is that when it comes to days of birth, sometimes there's a gift, but most often, its time. Together. Laughing. Sharing a meal. In the past years we have spent intentional time enjoying the day either on it, or within weeks of it.

I missed celebrating in person, and struggled with feeling like I communicated enough how much I loved her, and was thankful to Dave, Jeni, and Jesus that she was born.

I pray that each day she knows...

That I love her more then the moon and the stars in the dark night sky.

That I love laughing with her more then anyone in the world- especially about silly and inappropriate things.

That I love her enough to try to love Cincinnati and to live there- but it never clicked.

That I love most that when we are together, its always natural and easy... ranging in serious debates of the heart and spirit- to random conversations through pop culture, or stories of past adventures.

She always said she wasn't the number one. That she was ok with that.

I think what has always struck me, is that in my soul she has and will always be the one that I will always love, know, and trust with my entire heart in ways that no one else has pursued with the same pure integrity and intent.

She might never believe she's number one.

She might say she's ok with that.

One day.

She'll see, she has and will always be.

The best. Forever.

And she will be standing strong and still next to me on my wedding day.

And she will meet my children, and she will tell them stories of when their mom was cool.

And she will walk through each phase, and change of this life.

And she will be someone whom I've loved a lifetime when its time for either of us to meet Jesus.

She is just. That Special.

One day.

She'll know it too.