Joy

The sun girl turns 21 ☀️🎂

Eternally grateful for every single person who makes my days brighter ✨🌞

If you would have told me at 16 that I’d be pretty, in college, and surrounded by the most wonderful friends, I never would have believed you. My story had so many downs before it had its ups, so I write this speaking to 16-year-old me.

Happy Birthday, Joyeux—you did it! To prove yourself wrong in the best way possible. You are indeed alive, and despite how much high school felt like it was never for you, college actually is! You’re so wise— even wiser than you were then. You’re kind, funny, and your aura is so bright.

I think the most important thing you needed to hear is this: the world may have forgotten your story, but you evolved far beyond it. You became the sun, and it shines so much brighter than you could have ever imagined. Your light will always expel darkness because that’s the gift God gave you, even if you didn’t feel it then. ☀️💛

I am so proud of you. So many people are proud of you, too. Something Mom has always said that has stuck with you is: “You are destined, not desperate.” — Mommy 💛

This is probably the most vulnerable I’ve ever been, but you did it, my love.

Happy Birthday, kiddo.

With love,
21-year-old you ✨

P.S. The nerd never left—she just got prettier. 🤓✨

🧡☀️✨🌞♾️💛🎂