Sunny,
Today we celebrate your life. 28 years ago today, you entered the world as a bundle of warmth and joy. I guess some things never change. I hear your parents talk about your childhood and I smile.
I smile because I can imagine your wide-eyed amazement as an infant.
I smile because I can imagine your playfulness as a little girl.
I smile because I can see this same playfulness in our daughter.
I smile because I can even imagine the cataclysmic meltdown in Kroger that your father still references. (So that’s where Abby Kate gets it from!)
I smile because that’s what God created you to do: to bring joy to others. You have a way of bringing out the best in others. You minister to people through the simplicity of your presence. You’re empathy for others surpasses mine by a mile. Your heart is so tender, so genuine, so easily wounded yet so quick to forgive.
I smile out of admiration. Your character is true. Your determination is unbending. Your loyalty is fierce. You’re the best mother I’ve ever known. You pour yourselves into our children in a way no other will ever be able to match. You live out your calling as a mother with joy and passion. Someday I hope our children will realize how blessed they were to call you “Mom”.
I smile because you love me. Scripture says Eve is the mother of the living. Then you are Eve to me, for you are the mother of all that is alive in my life. You taught me how to love, how to let myself be loved. You restored my hope. You calmed my heart. You continually call me a higher standard and I desperately want to be the kind of man you deserve.
Sunny, on this day, I hope you know how loved you are. I cherish you for the beautiful creation you are. My heart’s desire is to grow old with you. I hope that makes you smile.
Jason
already & not yet 
My birthday blessings to one of the finest young ladies I have ever known. In the classroom, as a basketball manager, or simply walking down the school hallway, Sunny was the definition of Christian class and dignity. Jason, you are indeed a fortunate young man. The Lord blessed you with a woman of tremendous worth.God bless Coach HawleyLuke 18:1
Happy birthday, Sunny. I hope you and Jason enjoy your digital thing-a-ma-jig, whatever it may be.
Happy Birthday Sunny!I thought all day Monday that Tuesday would be the 22nd – so I’m blonde and a day behind.. What can I say?I thank God that you are my sister-in-law! You do bring out the best in others. You are one of the few types of people that make me feel like, “hey, I didn’t get enough time with her.” You are the perfect match for my little brother. I know our parents would be honered to have you as their daughter. Thanks for making me an AUNT! I love you so much!!!Celebrate every day…they are all special!Love Tara
Happy birthday, Sunny. You should ask for a trip to Waco.
Steve,Thanks for your comments. I know they mean a lot to Sunny. We remember your time in Lebanon fondly.
Jason and Sunny,I read this blog and wept. You are both such incredible people. When I think about how much I see Jesus in the two of you, it is almost overwhelming. I am so thankful that our paths met last summer.Sunny– happy birthday! I hope you know how much I admire you. I love when I get the opportunity to spend time with you, and I desperately hope that there continues to be more opportunities. I miss being around the Bybee family! Thank you both for being the incredible examples you are. I don’t have really pretty, moving words, but I hope that you can feel my sincerity. I love you all!
Thanks, Jenna. Sunny’s been reading everyone’s comments and she wanted me to let everyone know how much she appreciates your words.
So . . . we’re finally old enough to call him Steve?