Today is a special day for me: it is my husband’s birthday. He always says it’s just another day, but it really isn’t. Not to me.
When I first met my husband, I thought he was unnaturally loud. That actually hasn’t changed much, but I suppose I am just used to it by now! He is booming, tall, boisterous, hard to miss. You won’t be in the same room with him and not know it.
He jokes that he thought I was stuck-up when we first met, because I was so quiet, but honestly, I was overwhelmed. I had just officially sworn off men after a dreadful relationship, and here came this guy, funny as hell, who had the sweetest way of looking so happy if he could make me laugh. I didn’t know what to think or what to do: how could I run away when I just wanted to get closer? (That sounds like the tag line on a bad romance novel, doesn’t it? But it is how I felt.)
Maybe it’s not a coincidence we both met each other after the most disastrous, unsatisfying, and pestilent relationships of our lives. We had both more than earned the right to finally be happy, that’s for sure!
We share many traits: being brutally honest. An irreverent sense of humor. Loud laughter. Impatience. Loyalty. We make up silly nicknames for each other and tease each other mercilessly. But when I need soft words and gentle arms, he is always there for me.
I am grateful that I met my husband and that we share our lives together. His birthday most certainly is not “just another day”. I woke him up by singing “Happy Birthday” as he blinked groggily and smiled sleepily, so I am not certain he even remembers that part. Given the quality of my singing, it might be for the best if he doesn’t.
I have colorfully-wrapped presents hidden in the closet for him after we get home from work. And even though he says I don’t need to make a fuss, I would like to take him out for dinner, too.
He doesn’t give himself enough credit, so I will. He is my best friend, my lover, my partner in crime, my goofy accomplice, my everything. He is a huge smartass, matching my every sarcastic comment, laughing at his own jokes just as hard as I do. But he also has the biggest, most loving, and giving heart of anyone I have ever known. I have seen him pull over to help a turtle cross the street. I have watched him turn into a big marshmallow with the kids. And I have fallen into his arms and immediately felt safe, protected, and loved.
Happy birthday to my husband! I am looking forward to heading home this afternoon to celebrate his day with him and help him feel as special and loved as he always should.
Sweat & Sparkle 