Maison,

First of all Happy Freaking Birthday! You truly are something to be celebrated. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been alive for 27 years. College seems just like yesterday. As we walk together further into this journey of marriage, I’m reminded (especially on days like today) of just how lucky I am to have you.

You are a light.

You have brightened up my life in ways I never could have imagined. When I see you smiling, I feel happy … no matter how I was feeling prior. When you are excited, I can’t help but get excited with you. I want to spend the rest of our days making you smile with excitement. You have this beauty about your soul that radiates to others and I want to build this up.

This year, as we dedicate ourselves to self-refinement, I want you to know that I am here as a constant source of encouragement. If you ever feel like you are less than, please know that there is someone in the world that not only knows you are more, but who thinks you are the best.

You are beautiful.

I’m speaking physically here. Well yes, you are beautiful inside and out, I wanted to take a minute to let you know that you are drop-dead gorgeous. I know I don’t tell you as much as I should, but I want to try and change that. I feel this way whenever I look at or think about you. Your smile, your eyes, your … you get the picture! I not only love who you are, I love how you look.

So as we venture forward into another year of your life, I pray that you would be able to live fully alive. That despite my inability to communicate my feelings at times, you would feel loved and cherished by me. I want this year to be rich in hugs, laughter, exploration, and fun. Before our family gets a little bit bigger, I want you to know, without hesitation, that you are cherished by me above all earthly things. I am so proud to get to call you my wife.

Maison, Happy Birthday my love.

C