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So, today is the birthday of one of my very best friends.
Kim has been a HUGE part of my life for about 8 years now. We met online. We’ve been IRL friends for the better part of these 8 years. She’s one of the first people I will call when I need to talk to somebody. We met at a time when we were both in long distance relationship with Americans and we whined to each other and gave each other prep talks throughout this whole difficult time.
We’ve endured other people humoring us for holding on to someone who lives half a world away. We’ve proven to all those people that you can make the relationship work if you really commit yourself to it. We both had to learn the hard way that when you finally turn the long distance relationship into a “normal”, live-together relationship does not necessarily mean that there aren’t other obstacles along the way (although you think you might have overcome the most difficult of all.)
But we both know that having a friend to rely on throughout all of this, a friend who understands and who has “been there”, is a unique and precious gift.
Kim is one of the most giving people I know. She always puts other people first and tries to make sure everybody is content and happy. As a friend, I think it’s one of the most important qualities to be genuine and not run the other way when times are tough. It’s one thing to be a perfect friend in good times, but a whole other ball game to be there when things are not going so splendidly. Kim has proven to me many times that she’ll always be there, no matter what.
On your special day, Kim, I wish…
… that there is sunshine and lots of love surrounding you today.
… that this new year is going to bring you more happiness than ever.
… that you can pursue the things you love and make you happy.
… that there is plenty of coffee in your mug, cupcakes on the table and
lots of friends who show you how much you mean to them.
… you a bubble bath and lit candles in your bathroom.
… you something good on TV and a hand to hold
while watching your favorite show.
… you many, many phone calls from people who are too far away to come
and hug you in person (even though they wish the could!!!)
… that you know how much your friendship means to me!
* * *
Please take a few minutes and hop over to her blog and show her some love.
She deserves it more than anybody.
Kat
February 7, 2011 at 3:59 amThis is so sweet. :)
Happy birthday, Kim!
Hannah
February 7, 2011 at 6:48 amYou’re such a sweet friend. And that cake looks mighty delicious!! :)
Chrissy
February 7, 2011 at 7:21 amWhat a lovely post!
Happy Birthday Kim! Have a wonderful day!
Jen
February 7, 2011 at 8:12 amThat is so great you found a true friend through the internet and share so many things in common. It’s wonderful to be able to find kindred spirits that accompany us through our journeys, which are sometimes shared and sometimes not. Happy Birthday Kim!
kim
February 7, 2011 at 10:27 amoh sweety, this totally just made me cry. i got your card, too. thank you so much. for this post, the card and for being the wonderful, amazing and unique friend that you are. hdgggdl <3
evi
February 7, 2011 at 12:22 pmHappy Birthday, Kim ! :-)
ToBeAnnounced
February 7, 2011 at 2:17 pmLove this post!! It sounds like you are both really caring, good friends. :)
ute
February 7, 2011 at 2:59 pmAwww you are the sweetest! Anyone can be lucky to call you a friend! What a sweet post!! Have a good week darling!!!! Hdl
terra
February 7, 2011 at 3:52 pmThis is very, very sweet, San. I think you both have great friends in each other! :)
katelin
February 7, 2011 at 4:32 pmaw this is precious, happy birthday kim!
kim
February 8, 2011 at 6:27 amthank you all for your b-day wishes :)
lauryn
February 9, 2011 at 3:21 pmIt’s so wonderful that you two have such a great friendship and that it blossomed online! Happy birthday to Kim!
eleventh monkey
February 9, 2011 at 6:41 pmFirst of all, I love that little pink cake! I want to eat it!
Secondly, I love the story of your friendship. Good to read such a lovely story. By the way, I’ve done the long distance thing too! My Japanese boyfriend lived in Japan, and I lived in the Netherlands. Most people thought we were crazy, and unfortunately I did not have a friend in the same situation. But 3 years later, I moved to Japan to be with him and now almost 7 years later, we’re married and living together in the US!
Are you and your friend still with your American men?
xo Louana
Stefanie
February 16, 2011 at 8:48 amWhat a great friendship you two have!!! :)
Holly
February 23, 2011 at 10:11 amThis was so sweet! Happy (belated) birthday to Kim! I’m so glad that you both had each other and were going through similar things! It’s so great to have a friend who knows exactly what you are feeling and going through.