My birthday present to my husband was his mom. But because he was having a milestone birthday, I wanted to make sure he felt as special as his 30 years have made him.
So a few months ago, I asked our family members to send letters about why they love him. I made sure to tell everyone this would be a surprise, so the letters needed to go to MY email, or be addressed to ME if they were to be sent through the mail. Happily, 22 people followed directions, and the secret was kept!
I highly recommend doing something like this for someone you love. As the letters started trickling into my inbox, my heart almost literally grew with all the love I felt from our family members. People said the kindest things about my husband — things I already know — but things that, when said by someone else, mean that much more.
It made me feel all weepy to read how my brothers, parents, and grandparents love my husband because he treats me so well. I felt so proud to see Ryan’s siblings notice how hard he works for our family. I loved reading the memories his siblings and mom had about him as a child. I laughed every time someone mentioned Ryan’s excellent dancing abilities, his funny voices, his beat boxing talents, and his goofiness. I felt so tenderhearted to read how many family members notice his goodness, his kindness, and his wonderful fathering and uncle-ing skills.
And that was just my reaction!
I had planned to give him one letter every hour for the whole weekend because I just love to draw out a birthday, but I ultimately decided it would be a bigger and better impact if I dumped all that love on him at once. So I printed out the letters, put them in separate envelopes, and wrapped them all up in one big package.
He laughed, smiled, cried a little, and sat a whole lot taller as he read through each letter.
His birthday and accompanying celebration of his goodness is over, but we’ve decided to keep loving on him over here. And lucky for us, he has no objections.
{ 7 comments }
The presents that cost the least are typically the ones that mean the most! Nice job coordinating it all!
Great idea and beautiful picture of him and the girls!
Wow, that is incredible. I was just bawling as I read this, what a great idea! You have such a beautiful family!!
#1 I want you to sit with me and go through Poki’s baby pictures, that last picture of Emma is like looking at my baby. I must prove it to you.
#2 Poki’s letter was the best though huh? Ha ha.
#3 Do you think Tyler would like something like this? I can’t decide….
your birthday present to Ryan was like a birthday present to me. I had so much fun and I laughed and cried as Ryan read each letter. I know people love Ryan, but it was nice to hear why in such detail. You are the best Birthday celebrater I’ve ever met.
Wonderful picture of him and the girls. I am so glad his birthday turned out so well. Yes, I agree with Vanessa about Emma and Poki.
Rebecca, I loved this gift idea! But how could you keep it a secret? I think my DH would find out immediately if I was up to something like this… Anyways, I really liked this and I think that it is the best type of present that anyone can get!
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