happy birthday, Bill!

 Happy birthday to my husband Bill!

We have been married for 35 years, but in the past 9 months I've seen Bill on a whole new level. The casual observer might not realize that he continues to recover from a serious spinal fusion last April. He drives, goes to church, out to eat, visits his mom, and runs errands. At home he functions around the house really well, but there are still several things that challenge him. (And he won't want me to write about this, that's how he is.)

When people ask how Bill is doing, the answer that comes to my mind is, "he doesn't complain." If I'd had such a serious surgery, you can bet I'd still be moaning about it. But Bill goes along, day after day, doing what he can and letting the rest go. He's full of grace, a lesson that I sorely need. He also encourages me to get on with life, even if it doesn't always include him.

This may be an unusual birthday blog post, but I want you to know, dear Bill, how much this year has revealed about you. And how I notice. I love and admire you more than before and I want your example to speak to those whose road is hard. You press on, taking each day as it comes.

I love you and wish you a happy, happy birthday!