She wanted to name me Elvisah

Everyone has two parents.  Sometimes, if the child is fortunate, they have more than just their two parents that love them.  I'm one of those fortunate people.  Most of my family is of no blood relation to me.  They are my family by my design. 

One of those people is Lily.  She is like an honorary mom to me.  Growing up she was our roommate, but the relationship is much more than that.  When I was little she was simply "bud".  Which is the best way to describe our relationship.  She was my buddy.  She taught me the fun of being in a car and going down a hill really fast until you lost your tummy.  She taught me how to throw a softball.  She was my leader in youth group.  Her personality complimented my mom.

I got the best of having two parents, even if it wasn't considered "the norm."  Lily brought a carefree-ness to life.  She was my ally when my mom insisted we stop at another fabric store on any road trip.  Consequently, both Lily and I have been bitten by the quilting bug.  She used to make me a single serving of cookie dough when I needed a sugar fix.  It is still, to this day, one of my fondest memories from my childhood.  She'd make a little batch of cookie dough.  We'd split it.  Then she'd watch Grease with me for the 700th time.  Or, if it was August, an Elvis movie marathon!

Today is her birthday.  I'm All Shook Up about it.

I hope it's full of Blue Suede Shoes, a Hunk-a-Burning Love from all your friends and family, and maybe a Teddy Bear that hopefully the Post Office didn't mark Return to Sender. 

You have been a part of my life since the day it started and I'm forever grateful.  I know there were times I felt like I was T-R-O-U-B-L-E, but you continued to Love Me Tender.  Thank you for being my Mom2 all these years.  My life was truly blessed by you. 

Don't forget to Rock-A-Hula Baby today.  You're only the speed limit once!  Love you!