September 19th

Well...Today is my birthday...and I wish Landen could be here...this is the first birthday he is not...but my sister-in-law sent me the nicest card and flowers and it was almost like him being here.

I have been surrounded by the most wonderful friends and family... and still my heart aches because I miss Landen...but it's ok and I am thankful for everyone. Everyone has been so patient and loving towards me. They have gone above and beyond to help me feel special and loved<3

Nothing was ever too big of a surprise when it came to gifts with Landen and I. We would always tell what each other was going to receive then act overly surprised as we dramatically opened gifts. It must have been quite the production!

I remember when I got my bike (age 12)...Landen told me my gift was locked in the basement and through a series of questions and answers I soon discovered I was getting a bike for my birthday...the only details I did not know was the color or the size! Haha...

One of my favorite birthday's was a surprise (#22)... First of all...we went to St.Louis on the weekend with a bunch of friends (Landen and Joyanna happened to be in the same car on this trip and "got to know one another")... Landen, Joyanna, Kim, Matt, Stephen, Andrea, Itsuko, Roxy, Kristen and I...My only request was I did not want to have to make any decisions so Landen directed our fun schedule throughout the day as we explored St. Louis. The Spaghetti Factory, the Arch, the Zoo and Union Station. We even played a game of Mafia in the park that evening in the middle of some festival! That Sunday night, I returned to the house and more of my friends were present....Landen had set up YET another surprise PIRATE party for my birthday! (September 19th is National Pirates Day...and I have always had a special interest in pirates)...the surprises that year were endless!

This year, I am surprised he is not here. I always thought he would be and I miss him so very much...but I am SO thankful that neither one of us forsook celebrating life because we imagined we would always be here. I do not regret celelbrating life.

So...celebrate life, everyday with the ones you hold dear and never take for granted each breath God gives you to breathe alongside the ones you love!

I am thankful for the dear ones in my life! Thank you for making this day special!