Dear Ray,
Happy birthday. I’m glad I was able to find wi-fi so I can give you your present on the actual day.
We met exactly a year ago, the day before your birthday. The time has flown by in a way, but I also can’t remember what life was like without you.
I wanted to give you something cool for your birthday. You’ve immortalized my name all over Joburg in your graffiti pieces and I struggled to think of something similarly awesome. So I’m immortalizing you in the only way I know how, in my blog.
You know I can’t draw so I asked my friend Fiver to make a sketch of you. I think she captured you perfectly — I hope you like it too.
My life was great before but it’s become immeasurably better with you in it. I think you came at just the right time. Thank you for supporting me and cheering me on and making me laugh and feel happy. Thank you for adding so much color to my already colorful world.
Also, thank you for being so strong and making me feel safe when I freaked out on that desolate mountain road in the Transkei two days ago. (The rest of you reading this won’t know what that means. But you will soon.)
I love you. It’s been an amazing year and I’m looking forward to the next one (and the one after that, and the one after that).
Love,
Heather
Happy Birthday Ray! Although I’ve known both of your for only the shortest time in the grand scheme of things, you guys are just awesome together. Have the best day and travel safely!
Happy birthday Ray, love the drawing of you what a special birthday wish.
HBD Sunshine!
Can’t wait to hear about the roadside freak-out.
Happy Birthday Ray!! Its a beautiful gift Heather. Wish you both many many more years of happiness and love.
I’m a fan of anyone who sincerely cares for my lovely friend and genuinely makes her laugh! Happy birthday, Ray!!
Love this H!!! Happy birthday Ray!
What a special gift, Happy Birthday Ray ! Look forward to hearing about your adventures together.
I don’t even know Ray, but what a great love letter, and what an even greater picture by Fiver! I think I need to hire her for my next cover art – she does do cover art, doesn’t she?
Oh yes, I’m sure she does!