When I think of you turning 40, a whole playlist of songs flashes through my mind.
Sometimes I think I speak better in lyrics.
So, I think I'll take a moment, to celebrate your age. The ending of an era, and the turning of a page. Now it's time to focus in on where you go from here. Lord, have mercy on your next forty years.
Okay, so I changed them a bit. It still fits.
You have a bit of fret over turning forty. I think mostly because we can both remember our Dads at the age of forty, and now they are both gone. Certainly that's fret-worthy. But as I've gone back and looked at old photographs and look at the life we have lived together for the past 13 years, I see how richly God has blessed you. In the lovely, amazing wife He has provided you first and foremost (hey, it's my blog!), in the sweet children that you love, the amazing friends that bring richness to your life, the amazing friends we are blessed to call family, and the wonderful adventures we have been on together, from moves to travel.
I remember our very first date, when you borrowed Keith's mustang to pick me up, because you wanted to impress me. (You've been impressing me ever since.)
I think of how much richer, how much deeper my love is today because of all the memories shared, the ups and downs and ins and outs.
Kind of like...a river meets the sea, stronger than it's ever been. We've come so far since that day, and I thought I loved you then.
So here's to you...my best friend, my secret-keeper, heart-revealer, lifelong companion, adventure-maker. You are the reason I celebrate today, the wonderful gift that entered the world forty years ago.
You don't look a day over fast cars and freedom.
So, go ahead. Dance like no one's watching. Sing like no one's around. Enjoy this celebration of your life. Some of these photos were taken so long ago, but yet seem like yesterday. And some of them, well, they were actually taken yesterday. But they all add up to celebrate the life of a wonderful husband, a wonderful father, a wonderful friend. A wonderful you!
Wow, the big 4-0. Seeing that reminds me that I need to be more respectful to my elders ;0) As always, just kidding. Here's to a great friend and great boss... I hope you have a great birthday !
Posted by: Shawn Sallustio | May 05, 2009 at 07:35 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN! May God continue to bless you each and every day. Have a wonderful day celebrating a new decade. Love, Michael, Ashley, Olivia, and Isaac Lee
Posted by: Ashley Lee | May 05, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Happy 40th Birthday John! :) From Derek, Renee, Sarah, Hannah, and Lydia
Posted by: Renee | May 05, 2009 at 02:09 PM
Happy birthday to the best son-in-law in the world! (I really look at you as a son--not "in law".)
Posted by: MiMi | May 05, 2009 at 08:31 PM