Happy Birthday, Dear Husband

I'm sure Scott will hate that I'm writing this. But I'm also sure that it won't surprise him, either.

Today is Scott's birthday!

We celebrated last weekend with my family (my dad's birthday is the 23rd, so they get joint birthday dinners.....which I'm sure they both appreciate), which is great because today? On his actual birthday? Scott is pulling a 17 hour day. Poor guy. Between work, school, and now a volunteer project for school, this is, unfortunately, a typical day for him. He works hard, finishes his assignments on time, and still manages to brush Ellie's teeth and tuck her in almost every night.

I seriously don't know how he does it! I often feel stressed and will complain about how long my to-do list is, but Scott rarely complains. He quietly leaves the house at 5:30 am without waking Ellie or me (except to steal a goodbye kiss), puts in his hours at work, meets with study groups and finishes projects at school, and doesn't even mention how he hasn't eaten all day while I'm still trying to scrounge something up for dinner at 8:00 pm. I don't think I would be sane right now if it weren't for Scott and his calm demeanor and determination.

We know that the turmoil our life is in right now isn't permanent. Scott is in his final year of school, and this June brings us promises of free time together, and perhaps family dinners at a decent hour. After June comes a "real" job for Scott (hopefully, fingers and toes crossed), a real 9-5, business casual, vacation time and benefits, and home with the family on evenings and weekends job. That's our plan, anyway.

It's what keeps me going, and I hope that Scott sees that light at the end of the tunnel, too. He's working awfully hard for that bright future, and I sure hope that today, of all days, he's feeling encouraged and hopeful.

I really wish that we could be together as a family today, celebrating Scott as a husband and father. Maybe next year. Today, he will work, and I will work, and maybe we'll share a yummy dessert on the couch after the day is done.

I love you, Scott! I'm thinking about you today, and I hope that you know how loved you are! Happy Birthday!