Day 12 and the Best Gift Ever

 I'm not entirely sure if I'm actually doing any part of the 75 day thing...  maybe a little?  75 days of self-care?   The whole birthday/anniversary week tends to drag on...  this Saturday is our official anniversary out.  We're going to Homecoming!  There are a lot of perks being married to a teacher!

We had a great anniversary- just went to grab some sushi.  My husband got me this amazing gift- it's a print of the sky with the longitude, latitude and date of when we met.  He's usually gift giving challenged but this was perfect.

But even with that awesome gift-- the best gift was yet to come.

At my bridal shower and our wedding 20 years ago, my friend and bridesmaid Kami put together the best gift I've ever received.  

She numbered 20 envelopes and gave my friends and family cards to write good wishes and advice.  We were tasked with opening one on our anniversary every year.

And we have.

In fact, every year, it's been the high point.  

Some have been hilarious.  Shane's grandma kinda went on a rant about a cousin that was shacking up-- they were married by the time we opened it.  People guessing when we had kids (sooner than anyone anticipated- including us!).  Some were very thoughtful and full of great advice.  We loved every single one.

Last night was the last one.

And it was the best one yet.

Shane's dad.  

He passed away in 2004.

There he was- with us.  On our 20th.  

He wished us good health- the most important thing; the ability  to meet each other beyond half way; financial security- and a reminder that money doesn't buy happiness;  the responsibility to be an active part of our community, country, church and world; happy togetherness and their love to help us through (which they definitely have).

The end of the best gift ever ended on the perfect note.

Love from someone who couldn't be there with us to celebrate.

We were sad about all he had missed.  He and our son had a special bond from Day 1.  As a former airman he would be so proud that he was at US Air Force Academy.  He never met our daughter who shares his artistic talent and a bit of his "passion" aka stubbornness. He's never been in our current home.  All the holidays he wasn't there.

My mother in law remarried and her husband has been absolutely lovely to our family.  Our kids love him.  We've had the benefit of getting to know his daughters and their families and sharing our holidays together.  It's been good.

But for that one moment Dad was there. With us.  Wishing us all the love for our future.  

And his advice as we both struggle trying to make our health a priority, so timely.  So perfect. 

We knew he'd be proud of us and our family.  We had essentially followed everything else he wanted for us-- it was like he'd been guiding us all along.

And that was the best gift ever.