You know darling, in the last 7670 days, you have: (some numbers are rounded. Or made up)
– left me ZERO times.
– chose me once (this was a pretty smart decision – well done! ✅)
– but chose me as number 2 (behind Jesus and I wouldn’t. have it any other Way!)
– annoyed me so much I wanted to strangle you 3 times (that I can remember 😵💫)
– supported me through 4 surgeries (and numerous hospital visits)
– grew veggies for 5 seasons, despite hating it
– carried, birthed and clothed 6 children
– packed up & moved house / business 7 times
– transitioned to 8 different church families
– put up with me changing plans or structures or schedules 9 times (the rest of the days I had no plan)
– managed to live without power, running water, phone service or even a toilet for around 100 days
– helped run bibles study groups, church or parenting groups for around 200 people
– defended & supported me when most would have wanted to stab me 767 times
– fought the urge to stab me 766 times. (and the one you didn’t resist didn’t hurt ha ha 🤪 )
– hunted for & found crazy bargains to feed our family over 1000 times
– noticed when myself or the kids have something going on we weren’t aware of 2222 times
– breastfed our children over 2737 times
– changed over 3000 dirty nappies (and most were non disposable (💩 😬))
– survived living in old caravans for over 3842 days
– facilitated 4141.333 homeskooling lessons. Or woz it 414? Hmmm maybe 41.4? Well a Lott – at lest them can spell now. 24/6 There heaps smarter coz of you.
– done over 15,000 loads of washing, (remember our poor old twin tub!)
– prayed for me 19,666 times. (I haven’t included the ones where you asked God to, um remove me 😂)
– prepared nearly 23,010 meals, many of which were healthy restaurant quality, for a minimum of 2 people, normally 8 and up to 200.
– forgiven me at least 30,680 times (averaged at 4 times a day so I don’t look too bad)
– relied on God in word and deed 76,700 times
– sent 320,333 text messages (I have only included the ones you sent to me)
– given up an infinite number of friends, opportunities, luxuries, goals, hair cuts, meals out, holidays and niceties.
Oh, and have been physically intimate a few times too – you’re welcome 😉
Thank you. I am grateful that God caused our paths to meet, that you responded to Him and were willing to cling on to Him during this wild ride. There have been many seasons over the last 23 years, some more difficult and volatile than most, but I am trusting that we will emerge from this one and finish strong.
I couldn’t have done it with anyone else & I wouldn’t want to.
You’re an amazing woman, with such a unique and deep character, amazing wisdom & insight, strength & tenacity and ability to be funny when I’m annoyed at you. Except the times I need to be told to go to God & deal with my issues and you tell me oho so gently (“stop being a dumb a#@ & get to God”).
Thank you for being you, sticking around, facing your fears & issues, putting in the hard yards and loving even when it hurts. I love you.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! 🎉