Happy Birthday Alan!

My husband turns 26 today. I met him about a week after his 21st birthday. I remember it clearly. We were in the officer's bar on a ship. He thought he was the fishizzle. "I just turned 21" he told me. I informed him that made him younger than my little brother. He came back with a pretty witty comeback not appropriate for print. (At least not when our relatives read this). We were buddies. He lived across the hall from me. He used to stumble back to his room at night singing "Fly me to the Moon" at the top of his lungs. It was endearing at best, mildly annoying at worst.

We were drunk for probably the first 6 weeks we knew each other. Then we were apart. Then together. Long story short- Alan has been the best surprise of my life. Who knew that the drunken 21 year bass player would become the rock that makes this whole drama easier.

Alan is brilliant, determined and ambititous in a way I am not, hard working, disciplined- he's a rock. When I have flown off the handle in the past (and I admit it, it's happened) he's been steadfast and real. He's a step ahead of me in almost everything. I walk in the room saying, "Hey honey- did you do such and such?" Already done, he says. And right now, more than ever, I cannot imagine anyone else to be with me. Or anyone else I would rather have at my side. Whether it's making a list of what to pack for the hospital or handling all my insurance, he is the best.

We've only been married a year and a half. I know when he said "in sickness and in health" he had no idea the sickness part would be so early. And on days like this, when we should be celebrating, I hate that we have to worry about whether I can stay out late or if I'll feel okay. I hate that right now I can't really take care of him. Because he deserves it.

If any one of you are lucky enough to have an Alan in your life- someone you can lean on completely- someone who makes your life better because they are in it- someone who would rather suffer themselves than watch you in pain- someone who makes you laugh no matter what's happening, consider yourself lucky and go give them a hug. You never know when you will need them more than ever. And if you don't- you will one day. And they will so be worth the wait.

Happy birthday honey- I love you.