Him

From the minute my 23 year old eyes saw him--wearing a french blue button down as he entered Deanna & Shane's apartment door for our blind date--I knew this man was different. Other than his eyes, which can stare through you when he is listening hard, communicate great compassion to his patients and their concerned families, and yet still twinkle with boyish mischief, I noticed his hands.

I still have a mental snapshot of his right hand, bearing the infamous James Avery ring, as it gripped the black leather gearshift of that '94 Pathfinder. His hands struck me as strong, purposeful and sure. Over the last 14 years of life together, I have realized that his hands were as much of a glimpse into his heart as his eyes.

His work ethic is impeccable--whether it is a 2am phone call requiring him to be instantly alert and clear-thinking, his constant predawn alarm or a project around the house, he doesn't settle.

His loyalty and commitment to his patients and his family are never questioned. He sometimes forgets to take out the trash, loses track of time and still leaves his dirty clothes on the floor--but he doesn't forget the things that matter and since he committed himself to our marriage and children, he has never, ever left me on the floor or feeling forgotten.

Patience and self control are perhaps his greatest virtues (which is a blessing because this is not necessarily true of his spouse.)

He knows the Lord. He believes His Word is true. He conducts himself and leads our family according to those principles.

He is my husband, the father of our children and my best friend. And today is his birthday.

Happy, happy, honey. I am so very thankful you were born.