Celebrating Chris on His 40th Birthday

Over the last 40 days, Chris has woken to a letter from a loved one as a 40 Day Countdown with Love gift. It has been so nice to watch him smile each day as he reads the sentiments of so many in his life. What has also been special, is to see the common threads among all of the letters. There wasn't a single letter that didn't mention some of the following qualities: his smile, his patience, his faith, his love for family, his willingness to help, his joy! Many of the letters mentioned all of those qualities. The amazing thing about Chris, is that all of the ways in which he is viewed by others, matches exactly who he is. He doesn't have a "public self" and a "behind closed doors" self.  
     He is the most patient person I know. Whether it's 1,000 questions from the kids, 1,001 favors requested by me, a broken appliance, a sleepless night from plowing snow, a hectic morning, or all of that, simultaneously, Chris remains patient and calm. He is supportive in all of our endeavors. Athletics, music, my graduate school, and anything else we take on, Chris is there...smiling, cheering, encouraging, and most appreciated..believing in us. Chris is helpful. He packs all of our lunches in the morning, helps me move into and out of my classroom, helps with the boys' projects,...really, you name it and he is willing (and eager) to help. 
     I could go on and on, but anyone who knows him could go on and on, too. I am so happy that over the last 40 days, Chris has been given the opportunity to see himself through the eyes of those whose lives he's enhanced. It sounds trite to say we are blessed, but we are blessed. The fact that this supportive, helpful, encouraging, comforting, sacrificial, forgiving man is the man God allowed me to spend my life with is my most generous gift from Him.. I can only pray that God gives us another 40+ years together so I can continue to learn what it means to truly love, and continue to evolve into the woman being with Chris helps me to be.

    Chris, HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY! You have brought God glory in the way in which you live. I hope you truly celebrate who you are, what you do, how you love, and how loved you are! :)