Puppy Kisses and Birthday Wishes
A Valentine’s Day Story
Ryker Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Last week we celebrated two amazing birthdays that share a special connection with the most love-filled day of the year – Valentine's Day! While many people may only dream of being born on such a widely celebrated occasion, 18-year-old Abigail Justus gets to say she shares her birthday with millions of others around the world. Now, how cool is that?
Justice is a senior at Rose Hill Christian and a varsity volleyball player, not to mention a dedicated member of a travel volleyball team. She’s planning to keep the volleyball spirit alive in college and is pursuing a degree in education. But here's the real kicker – she was born on the day of love: February 14th! Her parents, Richard and Anissa Justus, have been calling her their Valentine since day one, and now, almost 18 years later, that tradition is still going strong. But don’t think their Valentine’s Day celebration stays the same every year – nope, because now it’s all about throwing a big birthday bash for Abigail instead of a couple's dinner date. Talk about a sweet twist on tradition! For her family, their kids – Abigail and her brother Tate – are their whole world, and Valentine’s Day is extra special because they get to celebrate Abigail’s special day together.
Speaking of Abigail’s world, another key member of her family is her adorable dog, Berkley Blu. Let’s rewind to March 2024: Abigail decided on a whim to visit the pet store one evening, just to spend some time with the pups there. Little did she know that evening would change her life. She locked eyes with a miniature dapple dachshund, and it was love at first sight! Naturally, she called her parents, Richard and Anissa, to meet him. After some convincing (and a little bit of persuasion), they won over her dad, and the sweet pup was soon part of their family. But there was one more surprise in store: when Anissa filled out the adoption paperwork, she noticed something incredible. Berkley’s birth date? Feb. 14, 2024. Anissa turned to Abigail and said, “He was meant to be yours.”
Now, here’s where it gets even more exciting – this Valentine’s Day, both Abigail and Berkley are celebrated their birthdays! Berkley turned one, and Abigail hit the big 1-8. The two of them have decided to share the spotlight, celebrating together with matching cakes and puppy cookies. Abigail shared, “There’s no one that I’d rather share and celebrate my day with.” How heartwarming is that?
For Abigail, Valentine’s Day is all about love – the kind that goes beyond cards and chocolates. It’s about the love of faith, family, kindness, and all the things that make life beautiful. While she doesn’t think a cherub with arrows is the key to real love, she does believe that God wants us to love one another. Did you know that the word “love” is mentioned 801 times in the Bible, according to the New Living Translation? How amazing is it that Abigail gets to celebrate her special day on a holiday all about such a meaningful word?
As we look back on the celebration of Abigail’s and Berkley’s birthday, we also remember the true meaning of Valentine’s Day: “Let all that you do be done in love.” ~ 1 Corinthians 16:14. What better way to honor that than by celebrating love with family, friends, and, of course, a very special puppy!
So, let’s all wish Abigail and Berkley Happy Be-lated Birthday as their birthdays are a reminder that love comes in all forms – whether it’s the love we share with the people around us or the love that brings us a new furry friend. What an extraordinary way did you celebrate the day of love this year?