ANOTHER BIRTHDAY POST

So, it’s your birthday! What gift do you want me to give you?

Now, before you answer, how about a little review? Remember that epic trip to Sapporo and Tokyo we just took? Yeah, I covered that. And let’s not forget Seoul, HK, Osaka, NYC, Chicago… oh, and also Sydney, Melbourne, and Queenstown. Seriously, I’ve bankrolled more trips than a travel agent.

So what could you possibly want as a gift?

It wasn’t that long ago that I moved heaven and earth, and maybe a few stars, to get you and your brother the best education. In this country, "best" means very, very expensive. It cost me a limb and an arm, not to mention a million strands of hair. Those were very difficult years for your mother and me, but it was very worth it because we love you so very much. Did I mention very already?

Do you want a party? You, my dearest daughter, I’ve always admired for being content and making the most of what you have. We, your parents, have taught you not to be materialistic. You love being simple and are so kind to others. You make us really proud.

But seriously, Nikkei, is there a present you’d like to receive today? You’ve grown to be wise in making decisions -like making your parents proud and happy, especially on your birthday. You’ve made us feel that you already have everything in life because of the love and care we always give you.

I’m not literally "counting the cost," but if you add it all up, that’s worth fifty more years of birthday gifts.

So spill it, sweetie -WHAT?

Happiest birthday, my favorite daughter!

You are a lovely, lovely gift from God and forever I will sing His praises for His goodness.

¡Te queremos mucho!

THIRTY

Thirty and counting.

Not my waistline – that’s probably not changing anytime soon. Not the number of strands remaining on my crown – I still have a bit more.

Thirty. That’s married life in years with my bride.

Thirty years ago, I made a decision to love, support, persevere, laugh, cry, and breathe with the one I vowed to before God and men – for richer or for poorer... well, you know the drill.

To my bride:

Not every moment was perfect. Not every dream came true. But life became more beautiful, and challenges became easier to face because you made the same decision. Two became one, a union that was, and still is strong.

Do we wish for thirty more? Let me ponder that over a cup of coffee.

But let it be known, 30 or more, 30 or less, the decision remains.

Happy anniversary, my Doe-a-dear. I love you plus 30!

Cheers!