A Birthday Love Letter

I never really paid that much attention to birthdays before I met you. Of course, I celebrated and had parties and such, but it didn't really FEEL like that big of a deal. To be fair, I had trouble FEELING much of anything at all. Then I met you, my love, and then I got see someone every day who lives each moment like it's their last. Laughs. A lot. And just like that, I was forced to see how beautiful life can be when you take the wheel and jump in the drivers seat. You are inspiring, and it isn't just me who feels that way. Part of me is jealous and anxious that everyone loves you so much. I'd love to steal away all of that positivity and energy and warmth and keep it all to myself. Somedays I do. But you are the most YOU sitting in the middle of a large circle of people, smiling and joking and criss-crossing the energy back and forth. It's like watching the most brilliant Broadway musical the way you can captivate anyone who gets the pleasure of interacting with you. You're confident, but not cocky (well....most of the time). You're charming but not a pushover. You're emotionally present without being overly emotional. Sometimes I just sit back and watch as you navigate the walkway of a mall or enter a building or meet someone new. You slightly arch your back and walk in with such confidence, no matter what you might find inside you know who you are and you aren't willing to sacrifice THAT for anything. I have to be honest, sometimes when you're home alone with our girl, I watch the home video cameras. Not because I am trying to spy, but just the way you look at her and treat her with dignity, lovingness, and joy makes my heart burst. You fill her glass of milk about 3/4 full as to not spill, but also so that she gets the right amount to drink. When it's early in the morning, you just lay there and pretend to sleep but I see you constantly checking on her and watching in amazement at the person she is. With her, you, and I we can take on the world. You are my world. Thanks for always reminding me that we get this one shot at life. You are my teacher, a constant source of strength. It's hard to remember life without you, when I see pictures from before you I think you might be in the

other room and that's why you're not there. You've given me new life and on this day, just like every other day, we celebrate your life. Thanks for always being you! -AJFR