Today is my wife Stacy's birthday. I have a hundred ways that I could wish her happy birthday. I could just say it to her -- after all, we live in the same house. I could text her like I do about so many other things in our daily lives. Heck, I could even send her an email. Maybe I will do all of those things.
But, today she deserves more than that. She deserves for me to let her know how much I admire her. She is the smartest person I know. She has a memory like an elephant, is as quick-witted as they come, and can solve any problem. She put all of these traits to good use in getting her law degree -- a profession that would allow her to use them to the fullest.
Yet, she chose to take her law school diploma and let it collect some cobwebs for awhile. This is only fitting because that single act may have shown more than any other just how smart she is. You see, Stacy did that so that she could raise our children -- now 6, 4, 2, and 6 months. She recognized that the greatest calling in life is to be a mom. Not everyone has this choice available to them. Some mothers need to earn an income to support their families. But, Stacy had that option and despite all of the opportunities that exist for her to be one of the top lawyers I know, she said no thanks.
This is because even more so than having a razor-sharp mind, she is also one of the most selfless people I have ever met. I can't remember the last time I saw her get to take a minute for herself. It is nearly impossible to recall if she ever slept without a child on top of her. I don't remember the last time she watched a movie that wasn't for kids. She is on the clock 24 hours per day and it is mostly on her own. See, she does all of these things despite the fact that her husband runs a law firm, coaches high school football, hosts a TV show, serves on 5 boards, and rarely has a clue what the next day will bring. She sacrifices so much and I am such a huge beneficiary of that. I get to have four beautiful children, have fun with them, and still do all of the things I want to do. Do I try to help? Sure, I do. But, I know that whatever I contribute is a tiny fraction of all that she does every day.
Today, on her birthday, if you happen to know her, take a minute to tell Stacy how awesome she is. As for me, I still need a way to wish her happy birthday. You know, I think I will just bow my head and give thanks that she was born. After all, it was the best day of my life.
But, I know that whatever I contribute is a tiny fraction of all that she does every day.