Thirty-six years ago today, one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever known gave birth to the most wonderful man I have ever known.

To her I say: Thanks. Thanks for raising such a wonderful, caring, sensitive, and strong man. Thanks for teaching him what’s right and what’s wrong. Thanks for showing him that love and affection are wonderful things to have and to give in life. I wish you were here today to see him. To see what an amazing husband he is and (hopefully) what an incredible father he’ll be. You are so very missed.

To him I say: Happy Birthday, Babe! I love you more than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow!

To everyone else: Merry Christmas.