The excitement had worn off just for a moment and the fear, the doubt and sheer pressure hit me like a Mack truck. I looked at you as my chest tightened and in an instant I was sitting on the floor gasping for air. With my head between my knees, you sat there with me. You sat there and you held my hand and rubbed my back until my head wasn’t pounding, until my breathing wasn’t labored and until my chest didn’t feel like it was going to explode right then and there. My first anxiety attack ever experienced and we both joked after that you did it to me. This was the night you came home after turning in your resignation letter.

That night we laid in bed and talked until the morning hours. We had just made the biggest leap ever and we were facing unknown territory. Like Temple of Doom, Indian Jones type of unknown territory. My emotions were all over the place and I found myself suddenly without any confidence in what I was already doing in my career. As if for some reason it would all come crumbling down because you walked away from your job. I will never forget what you said that night though. “I have never doubted you and what you are capable of. And no matter what happens, I am right here.”

I wouldn’t have expected anything less from you. Your support is unwavering. Your patience in me and those around you is inspiring. And your humbleness is one of the most beautiful things I have ever known. Ten years of marriage, four babies, countless moves as well as career changes. You have been an amazing partner through it all. You are the person I hope to grow up to be. Lord knows I’m not mature enough for it yet.

We have had major ups and we have had major downs and through it all you have never wavered. I only knew you two weeks back on that night I said yes, but there has never been a day that I have doubted that decision. You have been the best thing that ever happened to me and you have been the influence I have needed time and time again.

Today the kids and I will celebrate you and the fact that our family is what it is because of you. Thank you for being an amazing example to me as well as our kids. Thank you for being the best version of a father I could have ever imagined for my children. And thank you for your selflessness, your humor, your unconditional love and your support. I am so proud of you and so excited for everything that is in store for you.

Happy Birthday, my darling…

Today’s giveaway was chosen by my handsome hubby and I am sure my male readers and perhaps the husbands of my female readers will appreciate the switch-up today 😉 Leave a comment below by 12:00 AM MST tonight for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Dick’s Sporting Goods – one of my hubby’s favorite shopping spots.