Hallm*rk Block

I have the worst time shopping for cards.  I walk into Hallm*rk, and I become totally incapable of decision making.  Not only that, but my three-year-old is in love with those cards that talk or play songs.  So, she walks into Hallmark and begins taking every. single. one. off the shelves.  Meaning that I spend most of my shopping time trying to keep her from crunching a card that costs $5.99.


I was in Hallm*rk yesterday some time ago, shopping for a birthday card for Jeremy.  I think I read about 92 cards, and there wasn't a single one that said exactly what I wanted.  First of all, I wanted something with no rhyming.  A card for my 31-year-old husband shouldn't sound remotely like anything written by Dr. Seuss.  "On your special day, you take my breath away."  I mean, really?  


(Okay, so I didn't actually read that on a card, but you thought I did for minute.  Didn't you?)  


Second, I know this is going to shock you, but our life is not perfect.  We don't spend all of our days gazing into each other's eyes in blissful happiness.  (I'm hoping this is normal, but after seven-and-a-half years I'm still figuring out this whole marriage thing.)  I read way too many cards that said something like, "So glad we're living happily ever after together".  That's not us.  Our life is a whole lot less Disneyish than that.  We've been through some tough stuff together. 


I did finally pick a card.  It's cute.  It's sweet.  It's not exactly right.


So, in honor of the day that makes my husband officially as old as I am, I decided to write my own card.  Here goes.


This road we've walked together hasn't been easy.  Our journey has taken us through valleys where the darkness was so thick it caught in our throats and we thought we'd never feel the smile of sunshine on our faces again.  We've climbed rugged mountains that have stolen our breath and made our muscles scream with each agonizing step.  We've wandered through deserts of anticipation - waiting...waiting...waiting.


I can't see what the road ahead holds.  Joy?  Disappointment?  Confusion?  It doesn't matter.  Because in each place our journey has led, we've been together.  We've looked to our heavenly Father and done our best to follow his leading together.  Your hand has been in mine, and I have never doubted your love for me.  You have been my rock: strong, steady, and true.  


Thank you for walking beside me, for carrying me when I couldn't take another step, and for holding the lantern when I felt lost in the darkness.  I can't imagine taking this journey without you.  

Happy birthday, babe.  I love you forever.

P.S.  I think you're pretty hot.