Happy 35th

Good Morning, my love.

Happy 35th Birthday.

Birthdays are incredibly special; they’re a day to rejoice and give thanks and a day to remember.

Your mom was so proud of you; I know that she’s watching you right now and that she’s smiling because you are more than any mother could hope for.  I say that both as your wife, and as a mom.

I am so grateful for all the young man that you were when I met you and I am even more grateful for the man that you have become and the man that I know you will become.

Why you saw me and decided you had to have me, I’ll never know but I am damn thankful for that.
You saved me from myself.
You constantly tell me that you wish I could see myself through your eyes because I’d be amazed; while I may not be able to see myself through your eyes, I see the love and the passion and the strength of your love in your eyes when you look at me and it still has the power to weaken my knees.

I remember it all. The moment we met, the swimming pool, the phone calls, the apologies, the drives, the surprise roses, the green cast on my wrist when you proposed during finals.

Everything.

You captured my heart and healed it. Thank you.

Every one of my accomplishments, is because you stand beside me cheering me on, supporting me and encouraging me.
You have given me a life full of blessings and love and compassion and beauty, and I am blessed.

Your compassion for others humbles me.
Your love and passion for our children brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
The fire in your eyes when you look at me makes me all melty and tingly.
When you say I love you and kiss me, the outside world ceases to exist.

You are my husband, my best friend, my lover, my partner, my strength.

I love you more today than yesterday and tomorrow, I’ll love you even more.

The power of what we have and the strength of my feelings for you weakens me and brings tears to my eyes, yet fills me with peace and strength.

I can be having the worst day ever, and all it takes is your voice, your touch and I’m soothed.

Happy Birthday, Nathan. I love you so much more than my 19 year old self could ever have imagined possible.

Then, Now and Always

Your loving wife,

Rachel

January 27, 1976