feliz cumple Javier!

Today I celebrate the birthday of Javier, whom I have known since he was 7 years old. He's now 13 and growing up so fast. When I stay with his family, it's Javier who helps me heat up water on the stove for a shower, who makes breakfast for me and his little brothers, who walks them to school and me to the pay phone, and who answers my questions when I feel silly asking anyone else! It's been a joy to watch him grow up... ¡Feliz cumple Javier!

(fotos: Javier at the home for elderly in 2003, Javier & his youngest brother in 2007, Javier & I in 2007, Javier & Goofy the dog in 2008)