Surprise!

Happy Birthday David!
Originally uploaded by Beth.

Surprises are always fun. Thirty-eight years ago today David surprised everyone—he was baby number two. His parents had no idea they were having twins!

It kind of fits David’s personality to arrive into the world with such a bang. He tends to make everything fun.

I can remember having the thought in high school that I definitely wanted to marry someone who makes the world laugh. Though I added probably somewhat more significant and meaningful traits to my list along the way . . . a knock you off your chair, never a dull moment humor is certainly one of the many wonderful characteristics defining this man I married.

I could tell a million stories of the ways in which David brings laughter to the world. He isn’t just the life of the party . . . the party doesn’t really start until he gets there.

I’ve watched in amazement as David creatively uses this gift to bless others. In one moment it’s a witty comment to ease tensions in a room full of stress. In another it’s by using a perfect balance of wisdom and humor to diffuse someone’s anger. The one I love most is how he can say just the right thing, to even a complete stranger, to make their otherwise dull or difficult day a much better place to be.

If you know David, I don’t have to tell you what a tremendous and wonderful person he is. Just as David was a surprise gift to his parents so many years ago, he is today and everyday an ongoing gift to all of us.

Happy Birthday, Honey! I’ve immensely enjoyed these past twelve years of laughing by your side!