For Aaron

To my love on his "coming of age." (Yes, I did look that up so that I would have a clue what you are taking about.) I love these past twelve years we've spent together, and all the birthdays we've celebrated from that very first one with dinner out and a bag of rockets. I'm glad I've been the one to help make your birthdays a little brighter.
You've certainly made so many of my days brighter. I love the way you make me laugh, and every step you take towards me when I'm too stuck and stubborn to take a step towards you. I love your dyed hair and your tattoos and how you're always there, no matter how bad a day I'm having and how rough things get. I know you're in it for the long haul, and so I don't worry about our future, because I am too, and I know we'll make it through whatever comes our way. I love how you get excited about board games and fantasy, Firefly and Tolkien and Harry Potter, and the way you can all out play with Dune, reconnect with him and draw him out of whatever hard feeling he's dealing with at the moment. I love how when I've reached the end of my patience, you are there reminding me of the mama I want to be, and our sweet son's sensitive heart. You're a wonderful husband, a full of love father, and a great guy. Don't let anyone tell you differently, even the negative voices in your head that try to keep you from seeing how amazing you are.

You always keep learning and growing, and I've said it before, but it's one of my favorite things about you. This past year, I've seen you grow as a husband, especially as I've needed you more these months. I've seen you grow as a dad, learning more about Dune and how he works. I've seen you grow as a pastor, increasing in compassion and grace towards others, learning new skills, both people skills and practical skills. I've seen you give some of your best sermons ever. There's been a lot of change in you here, and while I think you're already a great pastor, I know that you will continue becoming more excellent in this area. I love seeing you dream (even though sometimes it's a little scary for this non-adventurous gal), gain steadier footing and confidence, and face the future without fear.
The next year certainly holds some major changes for us, but I'm not afraid, because I know we're in it together and God keeps taking care of us. I know we'll have some rough days, stressed days, "I'm so angry I could spit" days, but in the end we're together, learning how to love, how to forgive, how to hold on a little tighter to the hands that keep helping us up and caring for our hearts.

To the one who holds my heart, on your thirty-third birth day, may you know how much you are worth and how much you are loved.