Today is Jimmy’s 22nd birthday. He’s a pretty modest guy who prefers not to make a big deal out of his day and who for the most part, doesn’t care for all the attention. It’s too bad that he married someone who happens to love public mushy-ness, sharing feelings, and letting the whole world (or whoever reads this blog) know how great he is. So with that, here comes the sharing…

This is the fourth birthday we’ve spent together. 2008, we went to the aquarium and he asked me to be his girlfriend. 2009, we had a picnic in the park (and were newlyweds). 2010, we went to Disneyland. 2011, we are in a whole different place and so much has changed. When I look back on all the birthdays, each one brought back wonderful memories and feelings. But on his birthday today, all I can think of is one word: Thankful.

Today I keep thinking about how thankful I am for him. Jimmy has done so much for me and us this past year. Well, ever since I’ve known him, actually. This year however, has been one of the harder ones. I am thankful for a husband that stood by me (and put up with me) during the months we spent apart. I am thankful for a husband who has a passion to serve our country and does so with pride. I am thankful for a husband who takes care of me and provides us with shelter and food. Aside from the obvious reasons, I can think of a ton of little reasons. And after all, it’s the little things that matter, right?

So because I know he’ll get around to reading this sometime…

Thank you for everything. For being you, for loving me, helping me see things clearly in a cloud of anxiety, never forgetting to kiss me before you leave for work, being the God-fearing man that you are, your kindness and not just towards me, your integrity (which makes you an amazing Airman), your selflessness, excitement over the little things, and so much more. Happy birthday to the best man I know. You are so wonderful, and I love you with all my heart.