Dear Danielle,
Since I’m not so artsy to create you a great birthday card and you don’t seem to really like gifts for your birthday (or so you say 🙂 ), I figured I’d write you a blog post instead.
“Happy Birthday” is an inadequate way to express what it means for you to have lived another year. I’ve spent many birthdays with you now (we’re getting old), and I’ve noticed many things along the way.
You are strong. You are sure of yourself (but not in a haughty or cocky way). You are passionate. You live life loud (especially when laughing at inappropriate times at the movie theater). You love Jesus and aren’t afraid to let people know it. You’re a GREAT mom (even when you don’t feel like it). You’re an amazing friend – loyal, compassionate, always quick to lend a hand to those who need it. You’re a leader.
I could go on and on, but I also wanted to let you know, you’re my best friend and a great wife. I know sometimes life gets in the way, and with two little guys running around that demand a lot of attention, life just gets…well…hard. But you’ve loved me all along the way. We’ve been through more together in our almost 13 years of marriage than I think some people seem to go through in a lifetime.
At literally the craziness point of my life, you stood by me. Even when some people said to go – you stayed. That says a lot about who you are. The kind of person you are. The kind of friend you are. And…the kind of wife you are.
I’m glad I get to spend this life together with you. And even though birthdays and celebrations aren’t necessarily your thing, I want to wish you the happiest and best birthday EVER!
I love you!
and you made me cry. when we first started talking and you wanted to date me – i didn’t know what to think. i asked my mom about it. and she said – danielle – if you don’t give this Jared guy a chance – you might be missing out on the rest of your life! i didn’t know what to think because you didn’t seem to fit in MY box of what I thought I needed (for those of you reading this – please understand that it was completely a shallow list on my part – not meeting a height requirement for this amazonian girl being one of them) and even though I’m confident and have been confident – you saw things in me that even I didn’t. you have a big heart. a kind heart. a loving heart. you love me so well. i know for a fact that you are the only guy that could love my crazy the way you do. you truly demonstrate what it’s like to love like Jesus. you show me more grace than i could ever deserve. and don’t get me wrong – i’ll take gifts any day – but since time & service are my love languages – they just aren’t a big deal! THANK YOU FOR THIS! I LOVE YOU!
You’re very welcome!
Saying a teary AMEN to this. Happy Birthday, Danielle!!!