He is a dream cupper and a hand holder and a call it like he sees it.
He is deep thinking, tender kissing and recognize your limits.
He is faith of rocks, and wisdom deep, be still and know, and it’s going to be okay.
He is sun rise and sun set, day after another day. And another year. He is curious and unexpected funny, Giants cheer-er, feeling soother, cartoon voice talker, kitchen and campfire master.
He is a thousand acts with herbs and spices, school projects, just the right music, graph paper, prayers and the place we fit right under his arm.
He is
Hello, beautiful.
Way to go, sweetie.
You can do it — I have no doubt.
His mind makes methods, and he thinks and weighs. Thinks some more.
Then again, he can stare at a wall and literally not think about anything.
He cares deeply, but does not take things personally.
He is hands like mitts, who threads a needle, applies Super Glue in a straight line on a toy and untangles necklaces with the dexterity of a master clockmaker.
He has learned the art of helping girls pick their clothes.
These mysteries. This man.
He is safe place and harbor.
He is ask hard questions and look you full love in the eye.
He is I’m sorry and what can I do to help?
He is my best friend, my love, muy guapo, treasured papa of our three girls, and today is his birthday.
Happy birthday, Michael.
I love you with all this heart can hold.
And then some more.
Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
You and Michael are the reason for the saying, “a match made in heaven”. It was so nice to get to know him through your eyes and heart. What a treasure this post is for him today.
Thank you, Deb!
I keep looking at the top picture and love the crinkles around Mike’s eyes. They say wisdom and a life lived and they remind me that I have known that guy for years and years and years and all those wonderful things you said about him were given through God’s journey for him through those years and years and years. And also just because that is how God made Mike :) You are blessed to have him and he is blessed to have you! Happy Birthday to you, Mike!! Hope you all have fun today!!
Christy, thanks so much for your words. I am grateful for you and for the other treasured people in our lives who’ve known us for all these years. I love that you know what we’ve lived and appreciate the journey, and the deposits of God that have been there all along. And can I tell you how much I love that you get the significance of those beautiful lines?! That picture of Mike makes me so happy. We will enjoy celebrating him today. Thank you, friend.
Happy birthday, Mike!!!! Blessings to you for a wonderful year ahead. You already know this, but you have 4 wonderful gifts surrounding you today in your family (and many more beyond that!). I so wish I could give you that jamaican beige Eagle I see lurking around my ‘hood. Enjoy the day and celebrations!! Hugs to you all!
Thanks so much, friend. We love you. And if you could get your hands on that Eagle — the man would be in birthday heaven. See what you can do, would ya? :-)
Again HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my favorite ‘Renaissance’ man! Your love and devotion to both family and faith show you for the fine person you are.I am so proud of you and ever grateful to call you my son-in-law. My thought gift to you “GO SF GIANTS’. Love, Pete
I will pass on your sweet birthday lovin’ to Mikey. He loved your birthday serenade, as always.
What beautiful thoughts put to words for your wonderful husband and father. Your writing is a daily gift for all of us. Never stop doing this! You sing to my heart and many others.
Oh, thank you, Papa.
Thank you for the beautiful words of my son. He is everything you say and more. The two of you compliment each other so beautifully. Glad you are his mate,wife and mother of the three cutest girls in the world. Happy Birthday Michael!
Thank you, Mom. I am ever grateful that you brought him into this world and so thankful for the ways you taught him to love. We love you.
I love the poetic sound of this and hearing your heart. He sounds like a twin of mine, The Patient One. So similiar its a sacred echo I hear in your words. Happy Birthday. Lovely love here.
Thank you so much, dear. I wonder if you and I might have a thing or two in common to be matched up with these ones. :-) I love that — sacred echo.
I do believe so. Oh my mercy yes. Thanks for your kind comments. I am looking for the words to comment to your comment on when writing….. but I’m kind of punched in the gut moved and humbled. Are you on twitter and facebook, friend. Want to follow.
Mike, any of us blessed enough to know you know that there was nothing but truth in Ashley’s words. You Are that one. I couldn’t add anything, but to say had we known HOW to dream the perfect match for Ashley (or father to children, or son-in-law, brother-in-law) you would have been that dream. We love you and treasure you dearly. I know youre insanely embarrassed by this, but it’s only once a year you have to put up with it…. I’m sure you’ll get better at it in time . :) xoxo & Happy Birthday! m & p
(I love this tribute to Mike Ash!!!)
Amen, Mama — he is that one. (And I think Mike is feeling less embarrassment with each passing year. I guess our family will force that on a guy. :-) )
(for whatever reasons Ashley, I’m unable to “like” these days.)
I think I can tell you do. Haha.
A beautiful birthday tribute to your wonderful husband Ash…what a gift God has given you in him!
Happy Birthday Mike!!!! I love the photo with you holding baby Lala! :)
Thank you, dear friend. I love that photo, too!
Ah, the mysteries that keep us comin’ back for more, eh?
The man and the mystery.
Love this tribute and your heart to honor him.
(and thanks for the kindness you left on my blog :))
I love it! “The mysteries that keep us comin’ back from more.” You said it. Thank you for your kind words here, Kelli.
Happy Birthday Mike! Many, many more, too.
Thanks, Uncle Don! I’ve passed on your well wishes to the birthday man.
Okay – the top picture kind of says it all for me! I love your hubby (and, really – your entire family!) so much! Happy Birthday!!!
Isn’t he a doll? Thank you, Barb. We love you all too. :-)