Dear Chad, (again)

I know what you’re thinking.  You’re thinking uh-oh, here she goes again. . . using her blog to appeal for another big ticket item.  But really, would I do that?  I mean, just because I did it here and again here, certainly I wouldn’t do it on a special day like today. 

Not on your birthday.

Thirty-four years ago today your Mom and your Dad welcomed you into the world and into their lives.  Since we’ve had children, I now understand the tears they must have shed that day.  I can understand the hopes, dreams, and fears that must have overwhelmed them on that March day so many years ago.  For more than two decades they filled your life with love, experiences, discipline, and faith.  They watched you grow and change and guided you, the best they knew how, through all the ups and downs that make up those beginning years of life.

I must say. . . they did a fantastic job.

And then one day they turned you over.  They stood beside you and behind you as you became my husband, my partner in life.

Believe me. . . I know it. . . I’m a lucky girl.

I’m sure I don’t say it enough. . . how much I appreciate you.  How thankful I am that you chose me and I chose you and we get to do this life thing together.  How no matter where I am in life or what is going on around me, I get to carry a feeling of safety and security because you have given me a soft place to
fall. . . every single day. 

I could write forever about your humility or what a solid friend you are.  I could go on and on about the tireless hours you work only to come home and continue to be “on” so Charlie and Chanelle understand not only a Dad’s love, but a dad’s presence.  I could write about the way you always mute the t.v., or pause and take a seat, or stop the work you are doing, whenever I decide to share a thought.  Or, I could write about your child-likeness and the ease at which you can be playful and silly.  I could write about your intelligence and how you seem to know a little about everything and how you know a lot about those things you love. 

Oh, there are just so many things and I am trying hard to not gush or come across as my husband is better than. . .

So, I guess if I had to narrow it down, the thing that I appreciate most about you is that you make others better. . .you’ve made me better.  In our life you have listened to my hopes and dreams and have done everything you can do to make them happen.  Your presence is a safe place to be, which allows me and anyone who is with you to be okay just being who they are.  You are the perfect combination of quiet and strong.  You have no problem being in the shadows, but when it’s necessary. . . you have no problem stepping forward.  It is those qualities that draw me in and wordlessly teach me.

Thank you, Chad, for being my partner. And on this day, the celebration of your 34th year, I want you to know that you truly are the best thing that ever happened to me.

Oh, and that Dad thing you do?  You do it quite well.

Happy Birthday, Chad.  I. love. you.