Magic Birthday

43 years and 5 days ago a baby girl was born into a house full of noisy, boisterous love. Four years later the one who brought the magic into that house full of love died. The girl grew up loved and supported and never wanted for much. But her life was void of magic. The girl’s house was practical and solid. The support was unspoken. The love, just understood.  That girl grew up to be a woman who is determined and focused and strong. That girl grew up and became a mom who is supportive and practical and solid, much like the one who raised her.

43 years ago a baby boy was born into a house full of love. He too grew up supported and loved. He lived a life of Birthday Fairies and Santa visits that lasted longer in his house than many others. The boy grew up to be a man who wakes every day enthusiastic about the possibilities that he’ll encounter, or the greatness he’ll create. That man grew to be a dad who is effusive in his gratitude for even the smallest of gifts and praise for even the smallest of victories. He is humble enough to be truly confident in his choices and abilities.  That humility, combined with the joy oozing from his pores,  makes him a father who is truly a gift to his kids, just like the one who raised him.

22 years ago, that grown-up girl met the man who brought back the magic she had lost so very long ago. This grown-up man loved her out loud. He moved her into a home full of Birthday Fairies and Santa visits that last longer in their house than many others. Every day in his house is a celebration. Every accomplishment like none before. Their children, they get their roots from mom’s practicality and determination. But their wings, the ones that help them know they can soar to any height they dare to imagine? Well, those are all their dad and his magic.

Today it’s his birthday, but really, he is the gift to each one of us; the gift of magic.