A Birthday Tribute

This year we are a bit limited as to what we can do for Dave's birthday. We are saving as much as possible for our family vacation that begins on the 27th of September. Bet you can't guess where we are headed? You guessed it . . .

DISNEYLAND

So, I wondered what I could possibly do for my awesome husband? Then I figured I could write this tribute. Dave and I met thirty years ago about this time of year. We did not waste much time before we were engaged. He proposed to me on conference weekend. This December 19th marks 31 years. When you say it out loud, that is quite a long time. He really is amazing to have put up with me all this time. I have always said that it is because we laugh together every day. I try to give that counsel to everyone getting married. I remember when we lived in Orem. Someone in our ward saw us driving down the street. They told us later that they noticed we were both laughing and talking as we drove. I love that about our relationship.


We have had our share of trials, and haven't always felt like laughing, but even through our Gethsemanes, we have found things to make us laugh and smile.

One of the things that I love most about my Dave is that he is a big kid at heart. He has managed to find time to be a loving husband as well as a supportive father.


I cannot complain one bit about the love and devotion he has given me over the years. How many husbands would sleep on a cot at the foot of a hospital bed, shower in a hospital room shower, then head to work every day for three weeks, and stay up all night with their wife, when they couldn't sleep? Dave would, and did. I will adore him forever for that. I even learned the rules to soccer in the process. Ha Ha.


And last year when I could not take my sweet Mariah to be put to sleep, who did that for me and for her? Yep, my wonderful man! And then when he really did not want a new puppy, who allowed me to get not one, but two sweet puppies? Yes again, Dave. He really is the best. Those who know him know that he is there to help whenever he is needed. I actually felt a bit foolish when he suggested that we offer to take the grandchildren so that the kids could attend the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication. But that is the kind of grandpa and father that he is.


One of the things that Dave has been doing lately with his sons is to have a day each week or two that they go to have a guys lunch. This gives him a time to bond with the guys. They have even managed a way to keep this lunch under 20 dollars by eating off McDonald's dollar menu. It doesn't matter what they eat, it is that they have the undivided time with each other. This was his idea and I am glad that he is doing it. Sometimes I have kicked against the pricks on this one, but he tenderly tells me how important it is to him to have that time with his sons. He is especially happy that Jason is able to attend now. He is looking forward to next month when Dan will be here and they can all be together. He really is a thoughtful man.

And as for loving his grandchildren, there is nobody that can compare in my mind. Although sometimes at a loss for what to do with them, he is more than willing to try. We still laugh and smile a lot about the time he tended Ammon. He was reaching for Ammon's hand and he got his finger instead. I guess Dave pulled Ammon's finger, which hurt Ammon a bit. When Kathie got home, Ammon, who is getting very verbal, said, "Papa, finger, owie." Yep, Ammon told on Papa Dave.

Dave is very patient with all the grand-children, and he is a sucker for the girls. I have watched him and notice that he has a special connection with our Janie. The love in his heart seems to spill out when she smiles and reaches for her Papa.


So, Have a wonderful day, my wonderful man, I do not say it enough, but I wanted the world (or at least those that read my blog) to know the man inside the man I married. You really are spectacular! (and like I always say, "a Genius")

Love, Suzy-Q