Happy Birthday!

Though my husband is being a hero and is under the water until later this month or early next month, I must acknowledge his birthday today.

28 years ago my wonderful mother in law brought into this world the love of my life. I will be forever grateful for her going through that pregnancy and raising him by herself for the first couple of years of his life.

I am grateful for his adopted dad for being there for him and helping to raise him even though he wasn't biologically his.

I am grateful for his biological dad being there for us the last few years.

I am grateful for his step dad for helping us when we need it, even when he can't really afford to help us. I'm sure knowing we will pay him back as fast as humanly possible helps with that effort.

I am grateful for his step mom for being so wonderful to us and being impartial and supportive of everything and also for making me feel comfortable in her home when I felt shunned by almost the whole family.

I am grateful for his Grandma and Papa for taking him in during high school and helping to raise such a wonderful man.

I am grateful for his Grandpa Dorcey for always being there for us, even me, whenever we need him, even if it's just to talk or complain.

I am grateful for his Grandma J, Grandpa Tucker, Grandma Lenore and Grandma Tucker. I don't know them well, but they have certainly welcomed me into the family with no hesitation or questions asked.

Joshua Michael Luplow, you have given me two wonderful kids (so far) of my own, loved me for who I am even with my faults and quirks, stood up for me in rough times, stood by me through hard decisions and hard times, I will never be able to express how much I truly love you and appreciate you and what you do for me.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday under the water. I can not wait for your safe return so we can celebrate this wonderful day together. I love you and miss you very much! Caralyn misses you more than anything in this world. And I'm sure Alaric can't wait to meet his daddy!

Love you and miss you,
Yours always and forevermore,
Stevie