A Birthday Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, there was a girl who wanted to help people and to be a mom. And to find true love, of course. She grew up knowing she wanted these things, but feared that they would never find her. The helping people part came easily, but the true love part was hard. She met people and tried to make it work, but it never did. She all but gave up on all of her dreams, and had found acceptance in the life she thought she would live.

Then she met D, a wonderful woman who seemed perfect. She was funny and smart and the energy between them was amazing. They quickly fell in love. They waited a few years until the time was right and then they started trying to have a baby. The getting pregnant part was relatively easy, but the pregnancy wasn't. The couple found themselves trying to survive the storm of hormones that came with a difficult pregnancy. Once the baby was born, things became complicated and harder than either expected. A few years later, another child was born, even easier to conceive, but just as difficult to carry.

There were trials and tribulations, disconnections and misunderstandings. They often forgot to look for the magic that started it all. They often forgot just how in love they really were. Sometimes they were angry, sometimes sad. Often they were happy but were too focused on the few negative things to really appreciate all the good.

The truth is, life is infinitely harder than a fairy tale since fairy tales only get you to the end of the beginning. We can't stop ourselves from being who we are. Cinderella probably couldn't stop cleaning the castle even though she was the queen. We all have our own brand of craziness that helps us face the challenges we need to face. We struggle, we resist, and eventually, we evolve.

As hard as it can sometimes be, our challenging, evolving life together is my fairy tale ending. I wouldn't want to live happily ever after with anyone but you. Thank you for the ways you love me, support me, and endure me. I am so grateful for you.

Happy Birthday, my love.