Happy Birthday (Last Week)

Lauren was pretty disgusted last when she woke up and realized that Ryan had to go to work on his birthday. I explained to her that as you get older, birthdays aren’t the holidays they once were. Sydney sagely nodded in agreement.

I remember my own birthdays growing up. My mom (queen of all partying) let us run wild with celebration that day. We woke up to a sign announcing our day. We had parties tailored especially to us and finished up with a dinner and dessert of our choosing. It was wonderful. It was fabulous. And for that day, it was all about the birthday kid.

Somewhere amidst work and kids and responsibility that magic was lost. For Ryan his day consisted of 8+ hours of working at the shop, followed by coaching 7th grade football and then officiating a freshman football game. He was able to squeeze in his favorite meal (tortilla soup) that we made for him.  He didn't even want a cake.  (So Lauren and I bought some cupcakes and ate most of them...)

I wish I could have a given him a holiday.  He certainly deserves it.  For nearly nineteen years now, he has worked and sacrificed so that our family can have the things that we need.  But more than that, he has always been such a steady and secure force in my life.  I think back to the evening of our wedding reception.  Throughout the night, his hand was on the small of my back, supporting and strengthening me.  Since then, in good times and bad, he has kept his hands there.  Always ready to catch me if I stumble. 

If that doesn't deserve a holiday, I don't know what does.  Happy Birthday!