If you’ve come to any training of mine, you know that we talk about the importance of “delighting in” as it pertains to relational health. Well, as of today’s newsletter, there’s someone in my life who definitely deserves to be delighted in. Today, my husband turns 50!! I had a few ideas about how to celebrate him in the newsletter. But how do I express how much this man, the love of my life, means to me in a professional (thousands of people read this) but personal (because he IS amazing) way? Do I write out 50 ways that I love him? Do I write something sappy that may sound trite or overshared? Do I skip it all together because words will never do justice? 

I’m left with offering how this man has changed my life in five important ways – one for each decade. 

1. He taught me to trust loving relationships again. I grew up with some pretty significant relational trauma. That trauma was compounded in my first marriage through a great deal of turmoil and hurt. Ryan offered unconditional love – to say this man never gives up and ALWAYS loves me without condition is an understatement. I have never felt more adored or cared for. 
2. He models acknowledgement of hurt. In our family we love big. We struggle big. We’re loud and competitive. That means, that we can also misstep and hurt feelings, speak before thinking, or compete over silly things. My husband is always the first to repair. He’s sincere in apologizing and acknowledging hurt. Coming from previous relationships where repair was hardly modeled, this has felt so healing.
3. He is safe & protective. My kids and I know that no one shows up like Ryan. He would literally die for any of us. And for any of you. As a father, husband, and first responder, he protects us and keeps us safe. 
4. He heals. This man has experienced his own traumas in life. But he has humbly and with hard-work focused on healing himself. At fifty years old, he’s still learning about self-love, self-compassion and growth. It’s admirable. 
5. He makes me laugh. There are nights when I get the giggles so badly that I cry. Our favorite memories are full of laughter, self-deprecation, silly mistakes, or inside jokes. Ryan laughs at himself, laughs with me, and delights in making me laugh too! Laughter is such an important part of our life. 

So, here’s to my husband. Babe, if you’re reading this – I love your face. I love fifty years for you. I’m so grateful every day that you were born into this world and found me.