Today is my 20th birthday. Holy, when did that happen?
Last year we had a party here at my parents' house in Layton. Some friends from Cedar came up, some were here from North Ogden, we watched a movie, made licorice bracelets, and ate way too much junk food. I remember what I was wearing and the way my heart felt that afternoon as I blew out the 19 candles on that rich, creamy carrot cake. "Please, please let me find someone who respects and loves me. Please let me find the kind of love Heavenly Father would want for me." Silly? Maybe. But I did it. I wished a whole life decision on a little bit of birthday cake, and it was one of the most desperate wishes I've ever made in my life.
Last summer was an extreme challenge in many ways. I was having problems with cognitive dissonance and making decisions that I didn't want to be making. I felt lost and stuck and hopeless. I did my best to look forward to August and a new school year. There's just something about a move, a change in location, and some sort of "fresh start." I even chopped my hair off to a pixie short length in attempt to grasp something, anything better.
That fall semester I met my best friend. The term BFF from junior high days took on a whole new weight as we experienced things together that I never knew could be experienced. And before I could blink too many times, May had arrived again. But instead of planning a birthday party, I'm planning a wedding for my future eternal companion, Braedon Fletcher, and myself. It's been hilarious that he's had to frequently remind me that my birthday is coming up, it's continually slipping my mind. I still can't quite grasp how much my life has changed in just one year, but I thank God for it every single day.
So here's to the little things like wishing on eyelashes, shooting stars, and birthday candles. These moments contain magic, and they can change everything. Notice each little flower, the slight breeze, the soft smell of the drizzling rain. Most of all, remember the footprints your walks with others leave, and remember the footprints others leave on your heart.Thank you, Braedon LeGrande Leavitt Fletcher, for leaving so many footprints that you completely changed the shape of my heart. It's so much more full and filled with love than I could have ever hoped.
I am more than ecstatic about becoming your wife 10 short days after turning 20 years old. This magic was simply meant to be.
