Today's an interesting day for me. For one, it's the first anniversary of Ben's Heaven Day. Even though I've never met Ben or his family in person, seeing Ben's body lose a battle it worked so hard to win was heartbreaking. I got to follow Ben's story through a camp counselor that shared Ben's mom's blog with me on Facebook. After I started reading it, I fell in love with Ben and his family. Reading Ben's story also opened my eyes to the devastating reality of childhood cancer, which eventually led to me supporting other children who have cancer via social media. Seeing children battle cancer have led me to decide to focus my future career in medicine on pediatric oncology. It's not going to be an easy journey, but I'm willing to pursue it.
Today's also my friend Mushi's birthday. (She's more like my younger sister though since there's a 9 year age gap between the two of us.) Mushi is very creative, she loves to draw and write and dreams of becoming a children's book author and illustrator one day. I can totally see this in her since she always asks me for paper whenever I bring a notebook to church or Bible study. She's really funny too and has the sweetest smile. I definitely sense joy in her every time I see her.
Since I'm better at writing than talking, I thought I could start writing letters to my friends on their birthdays to give them something from me for their special day.
Here goes my first birthday letter.
Dear Mushi,
Wow. Time goes by so fast. You're already turing 8. Next thing I know, you'll be in middle school. My hope for you is that even with time flying by, you'll be able to enjoy each day to the fullest. Every day we meet, you're always so full of joy and silliness. Don't lose that. You'll need joy and humorous jokes to help you get through the hard of your middle school and high school years (and even beyond high school). But most importantly, try to find ways every day to spread the joy God has blessed you with with others in your life now. Don't keep it to yourself; share it with those you love. When a friend or your sister is having a bad day, cheer them up with one of your silly antics. (Just don't do anything too crazy.) If your mom is stressed out by her to-do-list, lend her a hand with gladness and without complaining. Strive to encourage others with your joyful nature daily.
I also love how creative you are. You make the best creations on my phone with all the food making apps you wanted me to download. You're also an amazing artist for someone your age and your handwriting is so neat. These are all vital skills for an aspiring author and illustrator, which I know is one of your dreams for your future. I pray that God uses your talents to lead children closer to Him. If you happen to decide to do something different with your life, I hope God would be able to use you for His Kingdom no matter the career path you choose.
I love you, Mushi. You, along with your sister, and our friends/sisters in Christ (Jess, Ella, Sasha, Micah, CC and Emma) are more than I could have ever dreamed for when I wished for a younger sister many years ago. I hope you've enjoyed your special day.
Your older sister in Christ,
Yahan
Disclaimer: Mushi is not my friend's real name, it's only her nickname. I'm just used to calling her that, so she will be referred to as Mushi throughout my writing.
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