Birthday Surprise

One of my dear friends celebrated her birthday at a local favorite restaurant and ten of her closest friends were invited.

We all showed up, had a great time, gave her gifts, and had many wonderful laughs together!  She loved her gifts and her cards and genuinely was SO appreciative!

We surprised her by ordering her a little dessert and she seemed very pleased. 

She saw us talk to the waitress, so I *think* she knew we were going to get her a dessert, but I also saw her talk to the waitress.  I figured she was trying to stop it, lol!

As the dinner ended, 4 of her friends tried to claim her meal and drinks on their tabs.

"Put hers on my tab."

"No, mine!" another would try and tell the waitress, lol.

We were all trying to buy her birthday dinner for her!  It was a free-for-all lol!

We didn't know who would get her tab, we were all just happy she wouldn't be paying for her own meal and drinks on her special day. 

When the bill comes, none of us get a bill.

What?

Birthday girl then tells us a story, as she hands her credit card to the waitress (who rushes off), "I went to church on Sunday, and this little boy who was six years old was celebrating his birthday.  For his birthday, he gave God $20.  I was so moved a six year old boy would give money to God for his birthday, I thought, "I want to do something like that too.""

"So, today for my birthday, I'm treating YOU ALL.  If he can be so selfless at his age, I can too."

We were all shocked! Ten people, food AND drinks.  That's a hefty bill for anyone any day of the week.  And to pay for it on her OWN birthday!  Wow, left me speechless.  I've never seen anything like that on someone's birthday before.

I HAD to write about this because I was SO moved.  Moved by a six year old boy, and moved by my beautiful, amazing friend with a huge, huge heart.

The Other Side of the Coin

I wrote back in early September about how low I was feeling.  My self esteem was shot and I had been told all these things were wrong with me.

A dear friend read that post and immediately wrote to me.

I want to share what he wrote because I know a few of my friends should really hear these words and absorb them.  It was very helpful to me and I know it will be enlightening to you, also.

I just HAD to share.

"The reason I'm writing you is because I just read your blog entry "I am Who I Am" and it broke my heart. There is nothing wrong with any of the stuff that you listed.  What is wrong, is that someone else, who presumably was supposed to have your best interests at heart, didn't consider ensuring your happiness and providing you with reassurance a high enough priority to comply with that.  In other words, the other person wasn't worth your time.

In a loving, functional relationship, the other person's feelings should be the top priority of both individuals involved.  And, if that person doesn't consider those things important, then you simply need to surround yourself with people who do, and not waste your time with people who don't.

Stop thinking that your way of being drives people away because the last time I checked, it also draws people to you as well!!   Rather, find someone who feels as you do, because there is nothing wrong with you!!!  Lord knows that you "checking in" every once in a while would definitely be worth all of the other incredible benefits associated with being around you and being loved by you."

I am so flattered by this email.  I read it 100 times; it helped me each and every of those 100 times.

I am doing much better now!  :)  And I am so happy knowing I am in a better place in my life.  :)

I also appreciate all my friends who love my unconditionally!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.