Tribute

I may be biased, but I have the most wonderful husband in the world. Without him, I would not be able to make it through this endeavor. I have no idea how to thank him for that. He knows when I'm having a bad day, and he offers something to lift my spirits. For instance, after the heartwrenching ultrasound at my OB's office, he knew I wasn't up to coming home and cooking. He offered to get me sushi. (That's a big deal to me.) We make coupons for each other at Christmas, and he always thinks of the best ideas. He knows when to stop everything he's doing and hold me and my sadness, and he knows the moment that sadness departs and then we have fun. He would give me the world if I asked for it.
The most touching gift Dave has ever given me (and I choke up every time I share this) is by no means extravagant. He knows I wouldn't have it that way. After Gabriel was born, he gave me a card, thanking me for carrying his son. I hold that gift so close to my heart and pull out the thought of it every now and then. I know he is truly grateful. And I know he feels the same way as I carry Lily. I wouldn't be surprised if his gratitude ran a little deeper.
Dave is the type of person who strives to do the right thing. I have seen him give up his own time to help others, and he truly wants to help make the world a better place. We've talked about decisions we've been faced with, and countless times I've heard him say, "It's the right thing to do." That motivates him. Plain and simple.
I am so fortunate that he is my husband. And I am so fortunate that we both agree that keeping Lily is the right thing for us to do. We both know that it's not going to be easy, but we also both know that doing the right thing isn't always the easiest.
So much of my strength comes from leaning on Dave. I pray that my weight doesn't become too much to bear, but I don't think he would ever complain about that. On the flip side, I try to be the same for him. I have no idea how to express my gratitude, but Dave knows that I would go to the moon with him. That means a lot to him.
I just finished reading the book The Last Lecture. Randy Pausch, the author, is dying, and he comments that he will be the first man to fall in love with his daughter. I'll take that one step further. Dave will not only be the first man to fall in love with Lily, he may be the only man. I can't think of a better person to take on that task.