Happy Birthday, Frank!

On this day, 40 years ago, my husband Frank was born. For a glorious 17 days he is "older" than me! Because is Frank is a factual kind of guy, I'm going to share a few that I know about him.

Fact: I have lived with him LONGER than anyone else on this earth.
I met Frank when I was 17 years old. And let me tell you, I was smitten from the get go! He had this confidence about him that totally hooked me--totally. He has great genes (thanks, Mom & Pop!) and is very youthful looking. I remember when I was first introduced to him, I kept thinking, PLEASE let him be my age! Turns out, he is exactly 17 days older than me. Lucky me!

Fact: Frank's loyalty factor is outta this world.
In our years together, friends have come and gone--acquaintances, really. But one thing that is true of the friends that have remained is their loyalty for each other and dedication to their friendship. Frank will do whatever his buddies ask. With no brothers to call his own, Frank has made these men his brothers: Joe, Cisco, Chris, Brett, Paul G., Paul B., Randy, and Aurelio. You all hold a special place in my husband's life ....Thank you.

Fact: His kids are his life.
People that know us think that I am Frank's reason for living (okay, you got me, I made that up!). Frank wakes up at 4:15 am to begin his day. He reports to work at 6, where he is in charge of running a multi-million dollar wastewater facility, on-call, 24-7. He does not get paid overtime (very sore point with me, can you tell?). He is "at work" for 10 hours, Tues - Fri. He gets home after 5 and rushes off to whichever practice he needs to be at, whether it be baseball, basketball, softball, and soon football (soccer, too, when Frankie was too young to play football -- he tries to suppress the soccer memories, LOL!). Frank has been coaching for 13 years, NON-STOP. He knows that very soon, our kids will have lives of their own -- as they should -- and time passes way to quickly. He's doing his time now, and I can honestly say, he enjoys it! (but don't tell the kids that, they think he is the "mean" coach!)

Fact: He puts up with way too much of my b.s.!
Okay, I'm a little spoiled, so sue me! Seriously, I DO NOT know what I have done to make this man love me so deeply, honestly, and fully. I question every day how in the heck I got so lucky. Sure, we basically grew up together, we are best friends, we know the most intimate details of each other -- but still -- I wonder. It's as if he's wearing permanent rose-colored glasses! Yes, he treats me like a Queen, and sometimes I am overwhelmed, but I accept his love and pray that I don't screw up -- again.

Fact: I love him.
No words can describe my feelings for my husband. No person knows the roads we have traveled, the obstacles we've overcome or the tragedies we've endured. I can honestly say that having him by my side has helped ME reach (almost) 40 myself. I look forward to our next birthday month and the countless days of love, laughter, and friendship that will surely come our way.

I love you, Frank Jude Garza. Happy Birthday!!!
"Darla" XOXOXOXO