Happy Birthday To You!!

This is one of my BESTEST friends... Shani.... and TOMORROW is her birthday!

I met Shani about 9 years ago... in Laramie, Wyoming! I knew who she was through church but then I was called to be the Relief Society President, so she was really on my radar then. I didn't see Shani at church much and when she was there, she was usually alone. I needed to know more!

I soon learned that Shani worked in the automotive section of Wal-Mart and her hubby worked at Wal-Mart too so this kept them busy - hence the reason we didn't see them much!

Anyway... time went on, I was released and expecting M. Somewhere in there, things just clicked. Shani would come over and we'd just hang out and talk for hours! Over the years we have moved (a few times) and they have moved (4 times!) and yet the distance doesn't keep us apart!

Shani has seen me in my absolute worst moments... she even drove several hours one time just to sit with me while I cried and tried to get through the day. She is one of God's choicest angels on this earth...and she is awesome! Shani's parents are both deaf, so she has a unique ability to communicate with her hands! She is patient and loving and compassionate. She has endured many trials, including the loss of a child, and yet she keeps smiling, and with her husband by her side, she seems to be able to accomplish anything!

I love this sweet lady, and even if we don't talk for weeks we can pick up right where we left off... just as if she were with me all the time. She and her family currently reside in Omaha, Nebraska - but one day she'll see it my way and come out towards Utah! We've traveled together, cried together, and laughed together. So, with that... I want to wish this awesome person a VERY WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you... but alas, you'll be here in a few months and we'll just have a big shin dig then! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY FRIEND, I LOVE YA!