This is you, one birthday ago.

What has changed in the past year? Some things. A couple more strands of white hair, maybe. Two growing kids who're bigger now than they've ever been. A vocation that keeps you busier than you ever can be.

But some things never change. You'll always been the person who sat by my side as I stared death in the face. You'll always be the one who gave me strength to choose life when I could have chosen otherwise.

Some things will keep changing, but some things never will. My life story can never be told without yours... this can never change.

Happy birthday, jie.