Happy bither day!

The card read, addressed to Matt from Trey.  Yes, today it was Matt’s bither day.  And, as I am wont to do on bither days and anniversaries (we haven’t yet broached independent spellings on THAT one yet), I wax nostalgic reminiscing of the man whose life we celebrate:  Matt.

On Matt’s last bither day, I was working at the church.  Life was hectic.  Two jobs, a family, and a husband with a hellish commute.  A week prior to his actual bither day, my two brothers and sister-in-law had come into town for the annual DTS chapel service, and we had gone to Pappasito’s for lunch.  Matt got to do a table dance in a sombrero with salt and pepper “shakers” to boot.  On this bither day, however, I am back to being “just” a piano teacher.  We had a quiet celebration at home this evening with two excited children helping make the cake, wrap presents, and sign cards all on their own.  Due to my freed-up schedule, Matt and I were able to enjoy a lunch date, just us, at Snuffer’s yesterday.   We ate way too many cheese fries, but oh, it was so worth it!

Matt, I know this past year has been hard in many ways.  But through it all you’ve shown your strength and resilience.  You have been a true help-mate when I’ve needed you, and you’ve been my best friend through and through.  On this anniversary day of one of the greatest tragedies our country has ever known, I am so glad we can celebrate life – your life – and look toward the future.  I hope and pray that year #40-something will be a year of healing, of renewing joy and friendships, of optimism and new beginnings.  Thanks for all you are, and all you are becoming.  Happy bither day, my dear husband!