Today is a special day. In fact, it’s the most special of days. That’s because 30 years ago, today, my wife and best friend, Sarah Beth (formerly Moseley) Stiles, was born. So in honor of her birthday, I have compiled a list of 30 things that make her awesome—things that I love and reasons that I am thankful for her today.
1. Every day with Sarah is new and surprising.
2. She is fearless and lives her life with abandon.
3. She is wise, well beyond her years.
4. She is perceptive. Nothing gets by her.
5. She is absolutely gorgeous (I am absolutely lucky).
6. She is hilarious, and makes me laugh every day.
7. She feels deeply and is not ashamed to show it.
8. She is always sincere in her emotions, never hiding anything.
9. She is an incredible cook and keeps me happily fed.
10. She watches all those Real Housewives shows, but watches with empathy. Well, not New Jersey, but the rest of them.
11. She is intensely loyal. You want her in your corner.
12. She loves Jesus—honestly and free of religious trappings.
13. She steals the covers but somehow manages to do it in a way that I don’t care.
14. If I leave the bed, even for a minute, she rolls over and takes my spot.
15. She loves the movie “Honey”, starring Jessica Alba, and watches it every time it’s on TV.
16. If nothing good (i.e. nothing fun) is in the mail, she leaves it in the box. Even if it’s been a week.
17. When we exercise together, she sets the pace. I can barely keep up.
18. She hates the superficial.
19. Even after five and a half years together, she still says, “I’m just going to close my eyes for a minute” when I know she’s actually going to take a nap.
20. She keeps me honest, and desires nothing less than all of me.
21. She makes me desire to be nothing less than my absolute best.
22. She somehow manages to eat breakfast cereal out of a cup, with milk and everything, while she’s driving, without ever getting into trouble.
23. She loves children who are not her’s as if they were.
24. The tint of green in her eyes varies based on light and the shades of clothing she wears.
25. She still waits for me at the airport security checkpoint when I’m traveling home.
26. She loves girl pop—Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavine, Adele, Katy Perry and the like—and listens to each new album like it’s her favorite.
27. She has a beautiful voice. I could listen to her sing all day.
28. She never finishes a drink. Ever.
29. She has a keen eye for style and decoration and makes our home feel special.
30. She loves to be surprised and makes special occasions a joy to share.
This list could go on and on, but hey, that’s what future birthdays are for. So here’s wishing you a very happy birthday, my love! May it be the best one yet!
