Happy Birthday To Roddy

 Today I'm wishing a very happy birthday to the best thing that ever happened to me -- my husband.  This is about how he looked the first time he kissed me, it was a joke but I still remember that kiss.  And I've always loved those lips.  All those years ago, he was just my best friend's bratty little brother.  He teased me mercilessly.  Then they moved to another town and I went away to college.  So his sister and I lost track of each other.  And time passed.

When I moved back home after college, he wasn't so little and he wasn't so bratty - but he was cocky and arrogant.  But I was so attracted to him.  It started out as friendship.  We would go to dinner on Friday nights and take turns paying.  He always made me laugh, and I always loved just being in the same room with him.  His proposal was so romantic - not.  He asked me how soon I could have $500 in the bank.  When I asked why, he said he figured when I had that in the bank that we'd get married.  The joke's on him -- I've never had $500 in the bank!!!

His looks have changed over the years, and he's not cocky any more.
He sure looks like he has an attitude in this picture, though.  This was the day we got engaged.  I think I still look at him that way.  He's been the best husband I could ever have wished for.  We've been so much together.  In the 80's, there were 5 years when he didn't work a single day.  But he did a lot for my ceramic business, which couldn't have operated without him.  We've dealt with the loss of 3 of our parents, my sister, one of his sisters and his brother.  We've raised 4 daughters together, and now enjoy the blessings of 4 grandchildren and 4 step grandchildren.  And are so happy to have all of them within 10 miles.

There have been happy days that were difficult, too.  This was the day he walked the oldest of our daughters down the aisle to be married.  He was starting to get gray here, but looked so distinguished in the tux. (I have to admit a weakness for him in a tux)

And there was the day when he helped Kristin out of the buggy and walked her to meet her future husband at her wedding.

And now he's much grayer than ever.  And after nearly 38 years of marriage, I still love him more each day. He still makes me laugh, I still love just being in the same room with him.  He's here in this photo with his "favorite daughter".  They idolize their  Daddy, and he's been a great one - just ask them.

So, Happy Birthday to my Roddy.  And may you have many, many more.