At the time of writing this, I have officially been alive for 6,939.75 days. Yesterday, September 12th, 2022, I turned nineteen. Most people would say they look forward to their birthday, but this year the idea of the day terrified me. I’m in a completely new state with completely new people so I had no idea if I would even have anyone to celebrate with. That idea didn’t sneak up me or catch me by surprise by any means. In fact, it’s something that I’ve thought about since I got accepted to OU and realized that for the first time, I’d be spending my birthday somewhere other than Lubbock Texas. I thought I had maybe an idea of how it would go. I’d wake up, go to class, eat in the caf, and then meet my brother and maybe my mom for dinner if she came up to Norman. I had completely prepared myself to be alone for the majority of when I turned 19 and was at peace with that. Something important to know about me is that I don’t like being wrong (I don’t think anyone necessarily does) but in this case, I can say that I was very glad to be wrong. The overwhelming love and support I received yesterday still has me overwhelmed 24 hours later. My roommates insisted on staying up with me until midnight so they could be the firsts to wish me happy birthday. The girls across the hall got me flowers and organized a small get together to celebrate. My newfound sorority sisters went out of their way to make sure I felt loved by bringing me flowers, singing happy birthday at dinner, and screaming happy birthday durning our Monday night chapter. My friends from back home were also a huge part of making my day special. They called and texted me to let me know that even though I wasn’t there, they were still thinking of me. Coming to college, I was scared. It may not have seemed that way to others but I was. Yesterday showed me how good God is at making our fears that seem larger than life shrink until they are nothing more than a spec of a memory. I will forever thank Him for placing some of the sweetest people in my life to show His love to me through them on the day he brought me into this world. If you are one of those people and you’re reading this, just know that you made a terrified girl feel so loved and celebrated and that I will forever remember the kindness showed to me.

With that, Happy birthday to me and if you happen to be reading this on your birthday, happy birthday to you too. I hope that you always know how loved and celebrated you are. <3

All my love,

-Lexi