ode to ~Jo~ on her 50th birthday celebration

My dearest friend,
On the day that you came into my life,
i gained a sister not only of the flesh, but of the spirit too...

When i first met Jo i had only JUST found out
that my firstborn child was anaphylactic
and i was lost in the impact
that this was having on my life

Jo came into my life quietly and kindly
and she gently held my hand as i cried
She helped me to understand that we are
never alone in our trials...

Jo to me is not only a wonderful and helpful friend
but she has helped me to understand that everyone
is ~beautiful~ inside
...EVERYONE

i have even known her to have someone scream at her,
into her face...
only to later comment that, that poor person
must be very sad inside

Yes to me, my Jo is an angel in disguise
and my world is a much more ~beautiful~ place
for her having stepped into it

i love you Jo
"Happy Birthday"
Your friend Always,

vicki xox