Happy Birthday to my 'Super Man'

Dear Birthday Boy,

Like most girls, when I was little I used to play make believe and pretend games.  I always imagined one day I would grow up and there would be a man who was brave and strong and handsome and would love me and make me feel special and safe.. “no matter what”.

It was a dream back in the days when I still believed in fairy tales and princes and “Happily Ever After’s”;  the longings of a little girl who loved and believed in romance.  Then I grew up and all of those things seemed so silly and far-fetched. 

I also can’t help but think of all the things I didn’t dream of in that man…

I didn’t dream of a man who would put a tic tac toe board on my mirror or an oil change sticker in my truck with “I Luv U” written in it.

I didn’t dream of a man who would never leave the house or the office without kissing me good-bye.  Ever.

I didn’t dream of a man who would face his own personal battle (think business struggle) and show me what a victor looks like. 

I didn’t dream of a man who would pack up and zip lock bag MY lunches for the week.

I also didn’t dream of the man who would always get his alignment not just ‘in the green’ but “damn near perfect.”  (See honey, I do pay attention! *wink*)

We have had our ups and downs, our struggles and power-struggles; We’ve had our share of heart ache and heart break on both sides; We’ve yelled and we’ve screamed and we’ve cried and we’ve hurt each other at various times.  We’ve also loved, made love and held each other tight; We’ve supported and encouraged the other when in doubt; We’ve talked and compromised; We’ve forgiven and let go.  This time last year, I was with my mom in Framingham buying you new dance boots.  I remember our conversation and how I cried in your lap when I came home. To steal a phrase: “We’ve come a long way baby!”

Today, you turn 58 years old.  Today marks 6 years and 5 months that we have been together although I have known you for more than ten years now – I’m not quite sure how my life would be right now had I not met you or had we not made it through last spring but I am so happy and grateful for both.

More than anything I want you to know that I love you more than I ever dreamed I would – more than that little girl ever dreamed she would.  You are a man among men.  You stand out as a businessman, a father, a son, a brother, a friend, a boyfriend… a lover.  You are a man who lives up to expectations when so many others fail.

If I dream nothing else this year, if I dream nothing else ever in this lifetime, I want for YOU to get YOUR wishes and YOUR dreams.  No man I know deserves them more and I am grateful every day for the amazing man of MY dreams, the man I dreamed of as that little girl – who is not just a dream any more…

Happy Birthday to my Super Man, I love you.

Always,

Me