My gift to you: http://youtu.be/TnIAPuA78TA
Of course on this special day I must say a few words to my dear dear friend. When I first met you I thought, "This girl is crazy." And after a few months, I realized that my first impression of you was correct. You were crazy. You are crazy. And I don't ever want you to change your craziness!
Other than being totally off the wall, and completely unlike any friend I ever had before, you are a great teacher. "Huh?" You ask, "What did I teach you?" Well...I learned things from you that I could never learn from anyone else. For example, you taught me that its okay to be real with people. Before you, I had a hard time showing my real face to my friends, my church, people in everyday life. I believed, like many do, that putting up a front was the only way to get through life because it was safe. And being safe at the end of the day is all that matters. BOY was I wrong! I hope others will also see the light after being around you even for just a few minutes. I remember thinking, "This girl is free. She is herself no matter the situation. She is honest. I admire that. I need that. That honesty." So I thank you for that one important lesson.
However, that is just one lesson in a HUMONGOUS bucket of lessons learned from Vashti. I will share the others around your next birthday time (you'll have to still be friends with me then--see what I did there!). On to how you taught me these important lessons. It wasn't ever a class or a long detailed explanation in "who Vashti is." You simply live your life and in that, simply living, you can be the best teacher and encourage those around you much more than any extravagant preacher can.
This is why I treasure you! You are one of the few people out there who is real. You don't mess around and take the fakeness. I love talking with you and hearing how your day went. There really is never a boring day in Vashti's life. When I see your name I see orange butterflies, sunflowers, yoga mats, and lots and lots of tea! I hope the next years for you will bring even more oppurtunities for you to shine. God is working through you. Stay strong, vibrant, and active. Stay spontaneous. Always be laughing. I know you will go on a great adventure someday and it will be amazing. Just remember to invite me!
Love ya girl!
