“Did you know 13 years is the cereal anniversary?” You smiled as you handed me a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats. It was 9:30pm and you just returned from the grocery store. I had mentioned a bowl of cereal sounded really good, but that we didn’t have any. Knowing I was feeling worn down and overwhelmed, you dropped everything you were doing to provide me with a sweet and crunchy pick me up. We snuggled up on the bed, toasted with some champagne, and ate our late night cereal dinner. It’s times like this that I really treasure. Simple moments of togetherness, evoked by thoughtfulness, empathy, and love.
Over the years we have made countless of these heartfelt gestures for one another, and that makes me so, so proud. I love that we are always looking for simple ways to help each other feel valued and understood. I love that we genuinely appreciate each and every one of these efforts and express gratitude so openly. I love that we have gone on wondrous adventures, chased giant dreams, and yet we still place so much value in the little things we can do to make each other’s lives better.
Ikey, I adore you. Thank you for 13 years of reassuring hugs, relaxing foot rubs, and the way you hold my hand in the car. Thank you for getting up with Cole in the middle of the night, making breakfast for us every morning, and always being willing to bring me whatever item I need from the other room. Thank you for making me laugh with your corny dad jokes, inspiring me with your kindness and patience, and finding such sweet and creative ways to bring joy to my life. Thank you for working so hard for our family, dreaming alongside me, and believing in all that we can accomplish together. Thank you for being a dedicated father, a loving husband, and the best friend anyone could ever ask for. Thank you for the big things. Thank you for the little things. Thank you for the cereal.
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