Happy Birthday, Eric! To my husband on his birthday

Happy birthday, Eric Gay.

Monday, when you went to handle an industry meeting and left me home finish up some work, I realized that it was the first time I had really been alone for more than a few minutes in an entire month. Since my dad died unexpectedly four weeks ago, you haven’t left my side. You’ve kept me occupied and listened to me as I talk about him constantly. You’ve handled all of the phone calls that I didn’t feel strong enough to make. You basically planned his funeral. You’ve held me as I’ve sobbed, and you’ve cried with me.

You know that I think you’re brilliant and talented and super hot. You know I adore spending time with you and laughing with you. But this year, on your birthday, I’m not going to write about all of that. This year, I can’t go without thanking you, from the bottom of my heart, for being my rock and for being my family. For being the strongest, most selfless man I know and for honoring our marriage vows in every way. I’m getting frustrated as I write because it’s so difficult to use words to describe what you mean to be and what you are to me. You’re my husband. You’re just as much a part of me as my right arm is a part of me. You’ve kept me from crumbling, and you have been my light in a dark place. Thank you, thank you, thank you, my love. I thank God for you.

Talking about death and loss is hard, and it even may be hard to read. But it’s marriage. And marriage is in good times and bad. I know as time passes, I will always look back on this time in my life with sadness because we lost my dad too soon. But I will also always look back at this season as the time my husband showed his beautiful, incredible true colors, and as the time I fell deeper in love with him than I ever thought was possible.

Plus, you are super hot. 😉 Happy birthday. Love you babe!