Today marks the 14th birthday I have had the privilege to spend as Scary Mommy’s significant other. I still fondly remember that first birthday together: two kids so intoxicated with new, young love that it didn’t matter that we were underage and unable to toast the occasion. Oh, how much I thought I knew about Jill then, after just 10 months! I can unequivocally say now that I hardly knew her at all.
What I love most about birthdays is that they allow you to take stock of the events of one year: the good and the bad, the extraordinary and the ho-hum. Having celebrated every birthday together since we were 18, I’ve also come to view birthdays as an opportunity to recollect what I’ve learned about my darling wife over the previous 365 days. For instance, that first year after Jill was diagnosed with Level III Melanoma, I discovered that courage was at the core of her being. I also learned that she has a crazy-high tolerance for pain that, to this day, makes me look as masculine as Tinker Bell glowing at night.
Since then I’ve learned about the vehemence of her heart and the veracity of her eyes, the taste of her tears and the strength of her mind.
But it’s what I’ve learned over the past year that deserves recognition today here on this blog: the girl is a writer! The irony is hard to ignore. As students, Jill explicitly designed her class schedule around the likelihood of having to write papers, avoiding the words “term paper” like most people avoid a fallen bar of soap in a jailhouse shower. Me, on the other hand, I was a literature major with a focus in creative writing. I used to practice iambic pentameter for fun! I fantasized about a writing career that would afford me a generous salary and the freedom to work from home.
The time I’ve spent writing has dwindled over the years, as the demands of my career in public relations have taken precedence and the joy of spending time with my three children dictates my “free time” activities. Meanwhile, the once word-phobic Scary Mommy has smartly turned her homemaker gig into a career as a confessional author and domestic lifestyle satirist. She has the joy (and, admittedly, at times, the burden) of staying home with our kids and chronicling their days and nights on this blog. Through her witty writing, self-deprecating humor, and keen observations, Jill has done in just over one year what many more experienced writers fail to ever do: connect. All you have to do is read the comments (I read every one) to see that Jill has built a true community of men and women—young and old—from all parts of the globe, who turn to Scary Mommy to laugh, to learn, and most importantly, to connect. That’s the impact every writer dreams of.
So, on this special day, I celebrate a wonderful wife, mother, and author—a woman whose considerable talents continue to reveal themselves year after year. Happy Birthday, love.
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{ 54 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy birthday, Scary Mommy! And hopefully you won’t get any fancy birthday earrings!
T Rex Mom´s last blog ..Laundry Day…
Happy Birthday Scary Mommy! Your significant other is right, you ARE a wonderful writer. Love your 4th of July themed picture on Twitter, too!
Sandy´s last blog ..Zucchini Bread Recipe
Actually, my last post is “Help, My Baby’s Head is Shrinking!” Not sure why comluv is wrong.
Sandy´s last blog ..Zucchini Bread Recipe
Happy Birthday Scary Mommy. What a beautiful post. :)
Schmoochiepoo´s last blog ..Survivor Schmoochie style
happy birthday jill – somebody loves ya!
Happy Birthday to my one and only Bean! I love your husband’s b-day posts – just like you and wine, they get better every year.
Happy Birthday Scary
I wish my husband would write lovely things like that for me on my birthday
It’s hard for him though
Being buried in the back yard and all
Cheers mate!
JT
x
jenny talia´s last blog ..time travel
Happy Birthday Jill! You are a wonderful, amazing, fantastic woman and we’re all lucky to have you in our lives!!
Hugs!
Elisa´s last blog ..Cool Finds of the Month, June 2009
What a touching letter! I loved reading it. You two sound like quite a pair – made for each other. Jill, I wish you a happy birthday and a fabulous year! I’m so glad we have connected through this amazing medium, and I can’t wait to meet you in three short weeks! Hope you have a glass of champagne and a lobster roll today!!! Happy Birthday, friend!
christy´s last blog ..A scary mommy moment
Happy Birthday!! You have yourself a great guy there, I loved the post and he’s right… you are a great writer!
Michaela´s last blog ..Join the Virtual Lemonade Stand Campaign
Happy Birthday!!
By the looks of this letter – Mr. is gonna get lucky!!!
Futureblackmail´s last blog ..BELLY FLOPPIN
that was a lovely post.
Happy Birthday Scary Mommy!!!
Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday Dear Jill! Happy Birthday to you!
Many more birthdays to you! Many more birthdays to you!
God bless you and keep you! Happy Birthday to you!
Val´s last blog ..100th Post!!! Maddy’s kindergarten roundup… 2000
Happy Birthday Scary Mommy! I am glad to see that your hubby knows just what he has in you!
Michelle´s last blog ..Phone Calls
What a great post from the S.O. Love it.
JennyMac´s last blog ..Just brew it….
What an absolutely beautiful post. Beautiful. You share my little girls birthday as well… so please accept my heartfelt Birthday wishes today!!
What a great tribute from your loving hubby… Happy Birthday Scary Mommy! :)
Jaden´s last blog ..What She Says… The Sequel
Happy Birthday Scary!!
Jennifer´s last blog ..Random!
Happy Birthday from Belgium, too. Make it a good one!
Happy Birthday! Wonderful words from your husband!
Heather´s last blog ..July celebrations
Have a great day! How very sweet of your hunny to write such a sweet post for you! Congratulations!
I love your guest posts Jeff (or should we dub you “Scary Daddy”?).
Have a great day!
Happy Birthday, Jill!! Great post by the hubby – glad to see he can still write, too, from time to time!!!
Happy Birthday! What a beautiful tribute by your husband!
ali (adil320)´s last blog ..Panic! at home
Umm, hello, Scary Mommy’s husband? You said that you would read this, so I thought I would address my comment to you directly.
Your post was phenomenal. Seriously way beyond “good” or “wonderful.” In addition to the simple fact that I learned today is Jill’s birthday, I also gained insight into who this amazing girl is. I had no idea about the cancer and still reeling from the revelation.
Although you obviously know Jill about a million times better than I ever will, I still like to think that we are both lucky to have her in our lives.
Your newest fan,
Francesca
After-thoughts:
1) You and my husband share the same name. That makes you doubly cool.
2) If your PR job doesn’t work out, you have a standing offer to come and write for our blog. I can’t pay you anything, but whatev.
3) Happy Birthday, Jill!!! You are so getting a phone call from me later today.
Three Bay B Chicks´s last blog ..Ce-le-brate Good Times, C’mon!
WOW… what a wonderful tribute to Jill! She is a fabulous writer and a funny tweeter! Happy Birthday girl-hope it’s a good one!
Shelle-BlokThoughts´s last blog ..BLOG-GONE INSANE-RESPONDER
Happy, Happy Birthday to you! You’re awesome – happy celebrations!
Loukia´s last blog ..Summer fun!
what a beautiful post. Happy Birthday, Jill. I know that my world is a better place because of what you write here on the blog. Thank you for sharing it with me (and the world).
Jen, buried with children´s last blog ..Going To Get Some Ink
Jill — I always remember how you told me that when you were little your parents told you the Independence Day fireworks were for your birthday :). Hope you have a great birthday and that you give that hubby of yours a big hug for writing such a sweet, honest post about you! And when you get back from vacation we should meet up again! I’d love to see you again!
Rachel Fix´s last blog ..Some News
Happy Birthday!
That was so sweet I teared up. He may give crappy gifts (in your opinion), but he writes about you beautifully.
Jennifer´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: What is he doing with that fish?
A writer, indeed! Isn’t it funny where life takes us? I used to be a buyer for two major retailers……and now I spend my days going to the zoo and making cookies and writing my family’s story on our dorky family blog.
Happy Birthday!
Starnes Fam´s last blog ..He Stays!
Awww. Great post!
Happy Birthday Jill!
Robin´s last blog ..Gone Baby, Gone!
Wow, happy birthday Jill! What a sweet tribute from your husband! I hope you have a wonderfully awesome day!
~ Nan
Happy Birthday Scary Mommy! And a big “Ahhh!” to hubby for posting a wonderful birthday tribute. Wishing you a scent-sational Birthday!
In honor of all July Birthdays (me too) I am having a Giveaway. Hope you will stop by and enter.
http://camerapatty.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/potd-birthdays/
Happy BirtHday Jill!
I’m all choked up over here!!
Happy Birthday!
What a sweet, sweet post and tribute from your husband. :)
Awwww…….
Happy Birthday!
OHmommy´s last blog ..America has taught him well.
What a wonderful post from your husband!
Happy Birthday Jill!
Missy´s last blog ..Free Giveaway~ Peanut Shell Pouch at bTrendie
Happy Birthday Jill!!! I hope it is lovely! You really are a great writer. I never miss your blog :)
Way to go Scary Dad! Happy Birthday Scary Mommy!!
SeattleDad´s last blog ..Need I Say More?
Happy Birthday to my favorite blogger who always entertains…
Scary Dad is a keeper and you both make a really cute couple!
God Bless you both!
Happy Birthday Jill! May you have another 365 days of fun, laughter, tears, and joy! Enjoy your special day! Scary Daddy….thanks for the insight into your lives and for honoring your wife on her special day.
Jodi´s last blog ..Honey Do’s Workshop
Aww, what a great post! Happy Birthday!!
Cathy´s last blog ..I Miss You Guys!
Happy Birthday!!!!!!
DCUrbanDad´s last blog ..BFFs 4 Ever
“confessional author and domestic lifestyle satirist” <——genius. Love it.
I hope you had a fabulous day, my friend. Yanno, besides the black eye and all!!
wow – what a post! Happy Birthday Jill — I know you already know this but what a sweet husband you have…cheers to another fabulous year!
What an amazing post. You are both lucky to have each other. Happy Birthday!
Barb´s last blog ..New purses
Awwww…Jill, you got yourself a keeper!
Trenches of Mommyhood´s last blog ..Weather Woes
What a beautiful tribute—your kids are so fortunate to have such a talented Mommy and loving Daddy.
Laura´s last blog ..cortisol is not your friend
This made me cry. I love him too. So sweet.
Life with Kaishon´s last blog ..What do I make?
Happy belated Birthday! Not only are you an awesome blogger, but you share the same birthday as my Mom. :)
Oh my gosh. This was such a perfectly written post. A man who is proud of his wife and prouder still to make it known to everyone else.
LOVE It!
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