A sweet sixteen like no other

My oldest daughter has a best friend that changed our lives.

It's just what she does.

When they first met at the age of 10, we had just moved here. 
My daughter had no friends here, we had just left all our extended family and friends, and she was trying out for the local swim team all by herself.

She really needed a friend.

She made 2 besties that year but this one stuck like no other.

Not only is this my daughter's best friend, but their whole family has become like family to us. Their Mom and I are the best of friends and this is the baby  
 I begged them to let me watch I babysit for during the week.

They are an amazing family that includes 2 adopted girls, currently a foster baby, and a Mom who teaches special education pre-school.

My daughter's best friend was turning 16 this last month and like most teenage girls wanted to do something extra special to celebrate.

Something special for others.

She decided that she didn't want any presents or parties or big trips planned for herself.
So, she asked her Mom if she could take 16 foster kids from our area and give them a day to remember.

I remember the phone call exactly.
My friend calling me, asking me for prayers to be able to pull this off.
It's not easy getting permission to take foster children places, and would they be able to find 16, and where would they take them, and is this all her daughter really wants.......

So, we prayed.
A few weeks later they received a phone call. Someone had tickets to the Circus coming to town, the same week as the birthday.
A plan was made and 2 weeks later 16 foster kids ages 4 to 11 were available.

Matching shirts were printed, goodie bags were bought and put together, a meeting before hand was thrown together to be able to meet all the kids.

At the end of that first meeting, a little girl came up to her and asked
"Why do you want to take me somewhere on your Birthday?"

She replied "It makes me happy to see you happy!"

I wish I could post a picture of the birthday girl and the kids at the circus. Her face is beaming with happiness.
The whole day at the circus adults kept coming up to her and her Mom and asking what was going on with this group, and after telling them about this 16 year old girl and her one birthday wish, most were left speechless! Some even cried.

She makes me think about my own happiness and about my own wishes.....

And her simple statement of
"It makes me happy to see you happy."

I couldn't agree more.