Sweet Little Sixteen

The big one six.

I've never felt so loved.

This birthday was probably the least anticipated of all my birthdays. School came first, and all I could think about was all the assignments due and tests to take. My 16th birthday was the last thing on my mind. I decided to throw a little birthday dinner anyway on Mom's suggestion, and all my friends were more excited about it than I was.

It's not really a big deal. Just another day. Or so I thought.

At midnight, texts starting coming and birthday wishes on Facebook. I smiled and thanked them. It's normal birthday routine, and I had come to expect this.

After school, I went to get boba tea with Angelina and was glad to FINALLY catch up with her. So much had happened since we were last able to really talk.

However, what I didn't expect was receiving a giant card signed by all the youth and a journal at church tonight. What I didn't expect was coming home and seeing a video the WAR team spent a week working on for me on my Facebook wall. What I didn't expect was the 24 red velvet cupcakes Hannah baked for me and the incredibly heart felt note she left in the beautiful hand bound notebook she got me.

I realized something tonight. And I wasn't the only one. Nathan, Isaac, and Daniel all commented on it. I was loved.

It was just a revelation that hit me so hard, especially since I've had so many moments when I felt alone this year. I'd documented my friendlessness over and over again, wallowing in the lack of my social life. I didn't realize what wonderful support I had behind me.

I'm loved.

By so many.

It was a happy birthday.