Happy Birthday to You, Matt!

Today is my older son, Matt's, 36 birthday!  Lately, I've tried to give "gifts from the heart," either with poems, gratitude letters, or photos, reminding the people I love why they're special to me.   

This is as much of a gift to me (maybe more-so) as to them because I'm reminded of how lucky I am to have them in my life.

This is especially true when it comes to the people I love the most, like my children.  Even though a blog post is public, it's nice for me to be able to tell the world (and my huge fan base!) what I love about Matt. 

10 Things I Love About You, Matt

Matt's First Camping Trip and First Time Sleeping Through the Night

1. I love your oneness with nature and the outdoors. Your first time sleeping through the night was your first camping trip to Hannagan Meadow when you were 3 months old. It’s only fitting that your birthday falls so close to Earth Day and on National Parks Week
2. I love what a deep and critical thinker you are. From a very early age you were quietly reflective, pondering multiple perspectives on philosophy and religion. You are not one to follow the crowd, but rather make your own well-informed decisions.
3. I love your authenticity. You are very comfortable voicing your opinions, while not judging others if their opinions differ. You are open-minded and welcome debate and discussion, without taking disagreement personally.
4. I love your playful side. I see this when you’re running on the beach with Mochi, playing a game, humoring me with a photo-prop picture, or searching for the scavenger hunt item with me at a museum.
5. I love your commitment to your marriage and family. You love and take care of Mochi and Choco as honored family members, happily welcome visits and (long!) stays at your home from me and others, and always show your love and commitment to Stella.
6. I love that you help me in such a thoughtful way when I need advice. You take the time to write insightful emails with resources and compassion. In particular, I remember the help you gave when I asked how I might help a friend who was worried about his suicidal teen.
7. I love to know that you help others who are struggling with depression or suicidal tendencies. I’m proud to know that you’re making such a difference in the field of mental health.  You undoubtedly have not only improved lives, but saved lives and are continually making this world a better place.
8. I love that you teach yourself new home improvement skills.. whether welding and designing your own multi-purpose livable vehicles, laying a new floor, or installing a new electrical system, you embrace the challenge.
9. I love your ruggedness and strength in tackling physical challenges, too, whether it be mountain-climbing, canyoneering, or mountain-biking. I’m glad Stella is joining you on adventures. Yay Pikes Peak 2023!
10. I love all the ways you’ve helped me over the years, especially since my divorce. I’ll always remember that first year of being single, when I was freaking out because I thought there was a fire in the house behind us. You were the voice of reason that told me it was just a bright light. You helped me drive home from Las Vegas in the snow, supported me through challenging times, and listened with understanding when I’ve had problems.

Some of my favorite pictures

Poem for Matt

 

A son of the mountains and valleys,

Of forests and streams,

He loves the great outdoors,

Crossing brooks on stripped trees.

A man of great intellect,

A deep thinker, and one

Who loves to challenge himself,

Learning more with each pun.

A psychologist by trade,

He helps others to heal,

To find their way back,

Using his emotional wheel.

A son, a brother, a husband,

A man of great heart,

He is loved by all who know him,

So it says in his chart.