Now where should I start? You’re one of the reasons why I am where I am right now, and why I am who I am. I wouldn’t be back in the community if it weren’t for you (and Myka) always asking where I was, “bugging” me to go to the tambayan. I knew there was a reason why I went to the discovery camp back in 2004 (and Engel saying I was her simple joy) was because I’d meet you.

I’ve only known you for two and a half years, but I feel like we’ve known each other all our lives. I love how you understand me and my quirks, how we always seem to understand each other, how comfortable we are about talking about God. I love how assured you are of God’s love, how dedicated and passionate you are of GK. Most especially I love how you never judge a person, but you love them just the same. Actually, there’s so much I love about you, and that’s why you’re my best friend — too many reasons to write. ;)

On this special day of yours (which I missed by 4 minutes last night!), I pray that God will bring you to places where you could shine even brighter than you do before. I pray that God will continue to make your heart bigger so as to accommodate even more people inside. I pray that He takes care of you and your mom and everyone else you love. I pray that despite all the trials you have experienced and will experience in your twenty-first year, you will still continue to smile and laugh and make other people smile and laugh, because the world wouldn’t be the same without that Beaboo cheer. I pray that you touch more lives, that they may see through you (just as I have) that God is a good and loving God. I pray that our friendship will last longer, grow stronger, until we are all old and have our grandchildren playing with each other in your big flower garden, where we will all spend our afternoons with our GG’s and closest friends. And finally, I pray that on your twenty-first year, you’ll grow into the woman that God has made and is making you to be. :) Actually there’s so much more I pray for you, but it won’t fit. :P

Bea, Beaboo, Bei, Liberty, Billie, Boo, Pink 5, Awesome Chick, Princess…so many names, all the same great woman. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARIE BEATRICE LIBERTY O. CORTEZ! :) You don’t have to be demure for people to love you; we love you just the way you are, Princess Chick. :D Sister to sister, yours in life and death. I love ya, soul sister. ♥