Wrangler Dani

Writer, editor, wife, adoptive mama and cowgirl living in beautiful Central Oregon.

Celebrating Adam

Adam and I are celebrators. We love birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, weddings and parties of any kind.  These are chances to reflect on what’s been and look forward to the future with hope, a time to celebrate and cheer for each other, to enjoy a good meal and relish a long laugh.

In the last nine months or so, we’ve missed our usual celebratory fervor, and as is this year’s strange way, suddenly Adam is 33 today! What happened to the streamers?

The truth is that we got busy with home-ownership and adoption stuff and work and life, and we’ve wandered from our usual kazoo-blowing celebratory selves. But we are still laughing with, at and for one another, and recognizing that celebration is not something we did when we had time, or something that we can ignore if we get busy. Celebration is essential. Celebration reminds us that our lives are not a long trudge, they are a skipping, singing, humbling, staggering work of beauty. Celebrations make us stop and take stock – did I do the thing I said I would? Have I been obedient in my long walk? They also give us chances to look forward and rejoice that we have road ahead and time to finish the mountain-climbing, wildflower-admiring hike we’re on.

At a wedding of a dear friend in December (thank you Jeanna for the picture!). Easy laugher, outrageous dancer, warm-hearted friend - this is Adam.
At a wedding of a dear friend in December (thank you Jeanna for the picture!). Easy laugher, outrageous dancer, warm-hearted friend – this is Adam. (Photo cred: Kamee June Photography)

So, today I am celebrating Adam. Because let me tell you guys, I thought I was in love with this man when he asked me to marry him seven-ish years ago – but he is even cooler now than he was then. He is the hardest worker I know, and the best puppy trainer. He gets tickled by the same things that tickle me, and his laugh makes any day better. He is a Craigslist and garage sale ninja. He is a team player and he loves people whole-heartedly. He is an adventurer, and he gets me out of my comfort zone with epic snowshoe hikes and fly-fishing excursions. He loves to eat as much as I do, and has never once grumbled about going gluten-free. He is a logical, methodical thinker, an easy friend, a patient, excellence-focused woodworker. He loves Guinness and Bandit and they love him. He’s a baby whisperer and has officially been crowned the Selfie King. He listens well and talks with intention, he does not bluster or fruitlessly complain. He makes coffee every morning and he kisses me good-night every night.

Happy Birthday Adam Nichols. I’m so thankful you’re mine.

2 comments found

  1. I love this, Dani! Thanks for the reminder to celebrate. It sounds like you’ve got a wonderful guy there. Great bowtie. 🙂

  2. Awe, so sweet! Here’s one more. He’s very good at the game of chess. Like you say, he’s a logical and methodical thinker. I let him win once in a while to boost his self-esteem. Well actually, he’s won every game we’ve played lately. 😉 Happy Birthday Adam!!

Comments are closed.