Leeann Yan Leung

Happy Sweet 16, sweetheart.♥

I know I promised I'd be on tonight, but apparently it was too late. Don't worry, we have the rest of our lives for you to tell me the story. This blog post is hereby dedicated to you. I don't like to trace over our past because we both know it so well. It's inscribed in the both of us, so therefore I find it pointless to do so. But I do want to trace over when we first connected. It wasn't in Geometry. It wasn't during a project. It was the day you told me you liked him. Haha, Teal. I remember how nervous you were. I remember you walked back into the house to grab a sweater.

It was a nice day in March? April? I remember we were dropped off at Barnes Park for the Cherry Blossom Festival. I felt like a homewrecker just for being there. You guys were the cutest things I had ever seen. I was really happy for you at that moment. I remember you went with me to buy flowers for my mom. It was a great day.

I remember this past summer the most. It was absolutely amazing. We grew closer than we've ever been. It was amazing. This past summer, I felt something happen. And it made a difference. When I'm with you, I want to be the best person out there. Because that's what you cause me to feel. You make me want to be the best possible friend I can be. I want you to know that you have that ability to make me feel that way.

I remember all the times you were there when I was upset or angry or whatever emotion I might have been feeling, I remember the summer school projects we've bonded over. It's made a world of a difference, and for that I thank you. So much. I love the little notes you leave me when I'm down. And how you try your best to be the most perfect friend to me. You don't have to try. Being yourself is certainly enough for us. It's more than enough.

On top of that, I just wanted to tell you. You're one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. Inside and out. You're the kindest person I know. You would never hurt anyone, and if you did, you'd feel guilty the rest of your life. You've the most adorable face ever. You treat people to the best of your abilities. Honestly, if they can't see that in you, that's their problem.

But people like Annie and I?  We see that perfect person in you. I know you care about your weight and all the stupid things that people tease you for. But why let one negative comment overpower the millions of positive comments? If they're teasing you about it, then forget them. You've got people who love you just the way you are. You're absolutely perfect. Don't change yourself to meet someone else's standards. Do it to make yourself happy. Not anyone else.

Sometimes, I know that you deserve a better friend than me. I try my best to be there. I know I haven't always, but I'm trying. I'm working on it. That's what you and Annie remind me of. The both of you remind me of everything I tend to forget. The person I want to be. The kind, ambitious person that I know I can be. I have so much respect for you. You have no idea. You're hardworking. You're focused and so determined. You work so well with people.

I know that sometimes, people don't treat you like you should be treated. Those are the people you shouldn't surround yourself with. I know that those are the people who have made you happy, but at the same time, they're the ones causing a lot of pain at the moment. I want to remind you that there are plenty of people in the world who love you and would never hurt you. Don't be upset because of them.

You're too wonderful. And the people who have left you? They're missing out. They really are. But that's their problem. Not yours.

This is your special day and I'm glad I got to spend it with you. ♥ Know that I love you. So much. Know that you mean the world to me. Know that when I get married, you'll be standing right alongside me. Know that I will always be your shoulder to cry on. Know that I will hurt every single person that attempts to hurt you. Know that I will always bring you soda and notes when you're down. Know that you're more special to me than half the people we know. Know I love you too much to be expressed in simple words. Know that you are a part of me. Now and forever.

Happy Birthday, Leeann. I love you.