Grandpa Hoffman just had a stroke a few hours ago. He is still in the emergency room and we don't know much yet. I love Grandpa. He has always been so welcoming and loving. Just last night he gently squeezed my shoulder as he walked past us women chatting. Grandpa has lived a simple life, working hard from sun up to sun down. He is my Grandmother's constant support. I can't imagine how their lives may change from this point on. I love them. Would that this could pass with no lasting disabilities, only an increase of love.
Today is my birthday. I am 29. And I FEEL older. I do. I've waited for a birthday like this, where I actually feel like I'm 100% adult. I like it. But... just to be prepared... I'm brainstorming for next year. I plan to have a tri-life crisis. If you have any fantastic ideas PLEASE share. Brother Andrew's suggestion so far has my heart. "Join a roller derby team." Can you even imagine? Ryan said he'd love to see me try... I'd probably last about a week. But just think! I'm not sure I remember how to roller skate. But I DO remember how to knock people over with my elbows. Some skills from an awesome childhood never leave you.
About a month ago I pulled my calender out to find this message scribbled on the Sept. 17th square: "Don't schedule anything today or you'll pay." (Ryan has to be gone today for medical reasons... thus the 17th.) Ryan swore it was from Atticus. But, let's be honest, even the professional forger Atticus could not duplicate my husband's scratchy handwriting. I LOVE when Ryan surprises me with things. He has incredibly good taste and mind reading powers. So I knew whatever he was planning had to be good. Perfect really.
And it was:
Drop the kids off at Jaime's (Thank you helping us and being so kind to our children!)
An hour long massage (First in my life. And it will NOT be the last.)
Dinner at Hires Big H (Grilled Lemon Chicken Sandwich, Fries, Rootbeer in a mug... so good.)
Shopping (Ryan's terribly smart to just hand over the cash. He knows I enjoy the hunt almost as much as the treasure itself.)
Austenland
As I snuggled up to Mr. Strong in the movie theater I was, once again, overcome with the feeling that I am enormously blessed. Blessed because he put on good cologne before our date. Blessed because the arm rest could move out of our way. Blessed because Ryan is a very good husband. I don't want to be all up in the rest of all ya'll's faces with this mushy romance of ours. But I have never been even close to this kind of happy. Any impressive moment the rest of the world has seen of Ryan is nothing compared to what he gives his wife daily. I have watched him consistently take care of me first. I know our marriage is wonderful because of Ryan.
He started our relationship by stealing my braclet and saying he wouldn't give it back until I went on a date with him. How is it that 8 years later his threats are just as endearing? "Don't schedule anything today or you'll pay."
I tell people I want to be a marriage counselor someday. And I know, even before I begin all my in depth studies on the subject, I will have something to offer because I married Ryan. Everything that works in this relationship starts with his love and selflessness.
Happy birthday, Amy!!! I'm glad you were spoiled, you totally deserve it. And that you found Ryan, he seems like a pretty awesome guy.
ReplyDeletethis makes me happy. that ryan is the best. you're pretty great too. i think you both make it work. way to go on the surprise, ryan! you know your wife well. :)
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