How I wish I could wake you at dawn with a “happy birthday” kiss and snuggle my head into that perfect little spot between your shoulder and your heart that was made just for me. We’d watch the sun rise and I’d listen to your heart beat for a minute. Then I’d tell you how thankful I am that you were born.
How I wish I could tell you all the things I love about you; things you already know, and maybe some you don’t. Things I’ve thought, but may never have spoken. Things like…
– I love that we do everything together.
– I love that I can talk to you about anything.
– I love that, even after 25 years, you still look at me as if I were the only woman in the world.
– I love making you happy.
– I love your smile, your laugh and the sparkle in your eye.
– I love that you are a peacemaker.
– I love that you have never been mean to me. Ever.
– I love that it makes you happy to spoil me.
– I love how excited you get when you watch sports.
– I love to watch you play basketball.
– I love how safe I feel when you hold me.
– I love that you read incessantly.
– I love that you are always learning.
– I love learning from you.
– I love that you have a mind full of useless information.
– I love your sense of humor.
– I love that you never give up on me.
– I love that you play with the dogs when you think no one is looking.
– I love your voice and the way you say my name.
– I love that you are trustworthy.
– I love that you love Jesus.
How I wish I could tell you all of these things, and more, as I watch your eyes well up with tears.
How I wish the girls could barge into our bedroom, bringing you hand-made gifts and cards.
How I wish we could sing “Happy Birthday” to you and eat Black Forest Cake with Cool Whip for breakfast.
How I wish we could try to keep you at home with us, but it’s a Monday, so you’d go to work as if it were any other day.
But it’s not just any other day.
It’s your day.
It’s the anniversary of the day you began your short, but beautiful, 47-year journey here.
It’s the day my soulmate took his first breath.
It’s a day to celebrate.
How I wish we didn’t have to celebrate it without you.
