Birthday Boy

Oh my goodness, as usual, we have a story to tell. Yesterday, March 18, was very special for 2 reasons. First, it is the Gentle giant's birthday. As you know, this family does nothing in a small way, and for Martin's birthday, we had a cookout. Hamburgers and veggie burgers, hot dogs and veggie dogs, french fries and macaroni and cheese: the feast was huge! Almost the whole family was here, but I will tell you in a moment why I say almost. Martin turned 58 yesterday, and in addition to the feast, we had a yummy birthday cake. We all ate, laughed, played, ate some more, sang Happy Birthday and the little ones had blue lips from the frosting. Yes, indeed, it was some party. The only thing is, well, Martin wasn't even here! Nope, no birthday boy! See, he went to a tournament with Jaybird and the games ran late and he didn't even make it home until after everyone was gone! He said it was so important to him to be with Jaybird at his tournament, and he really enjoyed the day being with Jaybird. The rest of us really enjoyed his birthday too- but without him. Now, to be honest, I was kind of put out that he didn't make it home in time. Fortunately, after 40 years together, I have learned to pick my battles, and being mad about this just isn't a battle I want to pick. I do want to say, that the other reason this was a special day, is that it is the 40th anniversary of the day we met! I know that sounds kind of silly, commemorating the day you met your sweetheart, but we have always done so, and this year, I wanted it to be especially memorable. Well, I won't forget that he wasn't here for our day, or even his day, so I guess it is memorable after all!
When he finally came quietly through the back door, I was waiting for him at the kitchen table. I had a big smile on my face, and I said, "Happy birthday sweetheart. We sure missed you at your party!" I could see the anxious look on his face as he came in, he was probably wondering how I was going to take his absence, but when he saw me smiling, he relaxed and smiled back. He told me how he had enjoyed his day with Jaybird, and how glad he was that I realized that he would have been home if he could have. He always worries about how Jaybird feels about Bobbie Jo being gone, and not able to go to his games, and feels that maybe it helps if he can go and support Jaybird. Later that night, I reminded him of the fact that we had met 40 years ago, and he looked at me with surprise. "Really? Today is our anniversary? I guess I forgot" he said. I told him not to worry about it, and he could make it up to me on our 40th wedding anniversary! He promised he would.
We have heard nothing about his job as yet. The attorney for the college said that when spring break was over, they would begin the process of bringing Martin back to work. I don't know how long that "process" will take, but it is in Heavenly Father's hands and I am not going to worry about it. For now, I will continue to prepare for the future in case his job just doesn't work out, and take advantage of the paychecks while they continue. It will be fun to watch the future unfold, no matter what happens!