Happy Birthday to Jay

At midnight tonight, it will be thirty-three years since the world set into motion the greatest blessing that was ever to come my way.  My husband, Jay, was born. 

We met when we were twenty years old and were married within nine months.  Most people did not think we stood a chance at lasting but we’re working on year thirteen now and could not be happier.  Just less than two years later we welcomed our first son.  We now have three beautiful, healthy boys.  Jay chose to become a stay at home dad when my career took an upswing.  He left a job he had held for many years at a well known company to do what was right for his family.  Since then he has also built the beginnings of a great business doing what he loves, selling football cards and memorabilia.  Our boys have also grown to love football to be more like Daddy.  By his actions alone, he teaches them every day to follow their dreams.

Life has not always been easy for us despite how happy we are.  Along the way we lost two pregnancies and were devastated by each loss.  Despite his own grief, Jay was my rock and helped me through it.  We have weathered any storm together and have grown stronger as a result.  We have also laughed, loved, and lived more than I thought was possible.

When our third son was born, I had some complications that resulted in an emergency c-section.  I was terrified and worried about my baby boy but Jay was, once again, my rock.  Our baby came out healthy but my body suffered.  I quickly began losing blood and Jay stayed by my side in the operating room until I drifted into unconsciousness.  I woke up five hours later to learn that it was a miracle I made it out of the operating room alive.  Thanks to a very skilled doctor, an emergency hysterectomy, and a blood transfusion to replace almost five pints of blood, I made it through.  While physically, the night was roughest on me.  I believe my Jay had a more difficult night.  He was ushered into an adjoining room and handed our newborn baby boy.  They did not have time to take our son to the nursery as is usually done after birth.  My husband sat in that room, alone with his newborn, for hours.  Occasionally a nurse would rush in to give him an update.  He sat there frightened that he would be raising our three boys alone.  For all that my body went through that night, Jay had the tougher time.    He still does not like to talk about it much and that was almost five years ago.  He never forgets a chance to tell me he appreciates and loves me.  I’m so thankful to still be here and share my life with him.

Since then my body has not completely recovered and I have developed several chronic illnesses.  Our life is not exactly what I thought it would be due to my illnesses but Jay does not complain.  We have learned to appreciate the simple things and have made adjustments when needed.  He is still my rock and I cannot believe how lucky I am to have him.  He is so unselfish when it comes to me.  If I could return just half of the love and support he has given to me over the years, I would feel like I could give him the world.

So, to the kindest, warmest, funniest, smartest, and most endearing man I’ve ever known, I say Happy Birthday.  I love you with all of my heart.  My world is a brighter place because of you.  Happy Birthday, Jay!