Its a VERY special Day

Im not one for birthdays, and I dont like Christmas etc... Im just not one for special days. I seriously want to be making things special as often as I can.

But today is different. Today is the 2 year anniversary of my marriage. Actually, to me, it is the 2 year anniversary of the State recognizing my marriage, which means very little to me. A certificate from a government telling me I can share property and debt with someone else isnt what makes it special.

What means the most to me, is today is when people began to recognize how fortunate I am. They acceptedte fact that I was married to the most wonderful woman I have ever met, and I mean that very sincerely. Everyone know to meet Danie is to love Danie, but to live with her day to day, to sleep next to her, to be loved byher, to see her raise a baby while at the same time treat my first children as her own... I could go on an on.

Being near Danielle the last couple years is a gift, and one that I try not to take lightly. Im human, and Im selfish, and I slip into auto-pilot. And even then, she gently and lovingly helps me out. Italk a lot, and I share a lot, but not everything. I share EVERYTHING with Danielle.

Danielle is my best friend, for sure. And it goes beyond simple explanation. Even now, I sometimes have to remember Im married. It isnt like I dont intellectually know, or even emotionally. But sometimes I get so focused on things, my brain skips a little, and I dont intuitively recognize Im married for a second. And then I realize "Wow, Im married", and then I realize "Wow, Im married to HER", and then it seems like I feel lucky all over again.

I Love my kids. I dont get to see them everyday. Somehow, I have gotten used to it. I dont knwo when and where, but I did. I only know that because of Danie. She will say "When are the kids coming? I miss them!". And then I realize how Im so used to the ebb and flow of them, and that isnt normal. Danielle loves them and wants to see them as much as I do.

Another thing that God gave me with Danielle is her family. Right now, her mother Kathy is upstairs asleep. I cannot tell you how happy am when Kathy is here. I cannot explain why on this part either. You learn a lot about Danielle when you hang around Kathy, and vice versa. They are very alike, and you can see the qualities Danielle got from her mother. Everyone loves it when "Gram" is here. The other day, Israel was reading a book downstairs while Gram was sewing, and I began to cry. It is so special to have this in my hoe. Judah was doing homework, and Gram was helping her. Havah and Gram have a special bond, as Gram was with us at her birth, and for many weeks after including travelling with us. It isnt uncommon to walk into a room, and find Havah sitting with Gram, drooling all over evrything,a nd Gram telling her over and over again "Precious Girl, Grams little precious girl".

Thene have people like Danielles sisters, and nieces and nephew. A lot could be said just about Angela Fantangela, and her family. Angela is one of the most, if not the most, hospitable people I have ever met. Generous and giving. And Lara is like the "favorite aunt" who everyone loves before they even realize it. Their children are great. And then we have aunts like Linda and Sandy, and cousins like Paul and Jeanie. And thats just to first few percent!

And thats not all. Bear with me here. Then we have her friends. Danielle doenst just make friends, she makes QUALITY friends. Danielle and I were talking about Chistina. I cannot imagine our home without her. It is joy to be around her. And Katchen, who was our lifeline even getting here, and her son Izzy buns, who we get to see every week! And Jocelyn, who is this amazing woman, and we miss very much.

Danielle is a master of a good deal. And she is so talented making things. And she is so generous. If we had loads of money, most of it would go into making things for people.

Danielle is an incredible mother. Havah has no clue how good she has it. Danie is attentive, but firm, all in the right balance. Far better of a parent than I ever have been.

There is lots more I could say. Many thing dont fit here about how my heart is healing day after day. How restored I feel in marriage. How the timing of meeting her provided a resource to my oldest girls something I had no clue they would need so much,a nd so soon.

I am so happy being married to this woman. It would never be as special if it was anyone else. I believe she is a gift, and many of my friends and family know that.