Happy Birthday Honey

Today is Joe's 40th birthday... wow. I met my husband when he was 19 and I was 18 in the cafeteria of the college we attended together -- Northwest Nazarene College. I was flirting with the other boys, but he was the only one who paid attention to me. His first words to me were, "Has anyone ever told you, you have the most beautiful eyes?" Well, I was hooked from that moment on! :) Joe and I have been through college together, through a blizzard of a wedding, through the hours of study in medical school for him and graduate school for me, through having our first baby poor as church mice, through the long hours of internship, through a cross-country move, through the poverty that comes unexpectedly at times, through cars breaking down, through buying our first home, through residency hours and responsibilities, through a colicky second baby, through dreaming and making dreams come true and letting some dreams die, through a second cross country move, and living through and learning what life is all about. We've shared heartaches and tears. We've applauded when accomplishments come. We've held our baby daughter never having imagined that such a thing could happen. We walk our property with pride and joy and an overflowing thankfulness for the blessings of God. We still dream together.
I take a lot of things for granted unfortunately ... but I don't take him. Joe has faults just like the rest of us, and of course there are always those things I wish he was more of. But let me tell you what he is right now: My husband is the very best Daddy of anyone I know. He spends time, tells stories, wrestles and loves on, and adores each of his children. He makes our family the top priority of his life. My husband is wonderful to me. He regularly tells me I'm beautiful. He helps me fold laundry, will do the dishes, and is just as happy with cereal for dinner as he is a huge meal. He takes care of all of my physical needs and gives me more than I could even ask for. He tries dutifully to show me love as God demands of it in His Word. He is patient and strong. He is faithful and kind. He is loving and funny. I'm married to a wonderful man for whom I am so very, very thankful.
Happy birthday honey. I love you more than you'll ever know.