Happy Birthday, Paul

Okay, I am not going to make a list of 48 things I love about my husband. He wouldn't read them if I did. Not even half. He's a man of few words who married a woman who is not, but who is learning to condense and get to the point before people's eyes glaze over.

How, then, shall I choose the number of things I love and admire about him? Well, since he was born in the sixth month of the year, how about six?

1. He can fix almost anything (and has had to). Dryers, dishwashers, ice makers, car brakes, car alarms, baby toys, bicycles, toilets, holes in the wall, eyeglasses, fences, windows, garage doors, sinks, faucets, AC units....

2. He can stretch a buck farther than any man I've ever met. He loves the words free, cheap, discount, bargain, deal, and the sentence "It's on me." Though he has a reputation in the family for being frugal, he has grown into one of the most generous people I know also.

3. He makes me laugh. I don't know how I'd live with a bore. I really don't. Even when I try not to laugh at his jokes when I'm angry, I have to admit (to myself only) that he's pretty darn funny.

4. He has a work ethic as strong as a border collie, but is not what I'd call a workaholic. I've always told him how grateful I am that he is married to me and not to his job. He knows how to relax and enjoy a slow pace, but his relaxation comes after hard work, not before.

5. He has played guitar for every care group we've been in since about 1996. When I ask him about taking a sabbatical, he says, "I only have one or two talents. I want to use them as much as possible when I'm able." I disagree with the one or two talents. He has many, but few get public notice.

6. He expresses his love mostly in acts of service. See numbers 1-5 above for examples, and add: picks up library books for me, cooks dinner rather often, does dishes, looks out for my parents, spends time with the kids, makes sure everything is in running order, safeguards our finances, and many other things.

I love you, honey. Happy birthday.