HOTY Birthday

Yesterday was the The Husband ‘s Birthday.  As you know, he is The Husband of The Year (a/k/a HOTY), two years running.

The Husband is the most extraordinary person I have ever known.  Loving, smart, capable, compassionate, generous, and witty are just a few of the adjectives that come to mind when describing him (the Silver Lining of my life!).

Our relationship is built on trust, faith, strength, love, support, respect, loyalty, and a whole lot of humor.  In fact, humor is often at the top of our list. No matter how challenging life is, we always laugh.

When I was diagnosed with FBC, I had a tremendous amount of sadness for the pain that I anticipated causing our family, beginning with The Husband.  Our marriage vows, “in sickness and in health” went to a deeper dimension.  That sadness was transformed into gratitude (SL) for the HOTY.

Since my diagnosis, The Husband has been my advocate, cheerleader (yes, there are male cheerleaders!), and staunch supporter.  He has been my partner on this roller coaster in the truest sense of the word.  I am so incredibly, profoundly fortunate and am especially aware of my gratitude today, on his Birthday.

So, when asked what he wanted to do on his special day, The Husband said, “Surprise me and plan a day.”  Ok.  Well, when you live with the most wonderful HOTY, in heaven (on earth), it’s not hard to do!

The intention of this day was about presence, not presents.

We started the day on a fabulous hike that is equal parts challenging and beautiful. Not too long. Not too short. Just right. It was a wonderfully physical and spiritual way to start the day!

For lunch, a dear friend offered us the use of  her beach house, where we had a family picnic.  It was a magnificently magical day at the beach, perfectly warm and sunny. The ocean sparkled.  The sand warmed our feet. Finally Five learned to play frisbee (sort of). Several tosses meant duck and cover!

Because we have spent a whole lot of time at home, I decided to surprise him with an overnight staycation in town. We had a perfectly cozy, loving and beautiful evening. And the best part?  Our commute home was five minutes.

My greatest hope for our children is that they are able to have a life partner with whom their relationship is as solidly full of love as ours is.

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.

~Mignon McLaughlin