Dear Nana, I love the way you laugh at my “not-sofunny” jokes sometimes. It’s a small thing, but those moments of shared joy make our connection special. You’ve been doing that since we met at the gift table of your cousin’s wedding. I was immediately attracted to this beautiful young lady, but it took a while before a relationship could fully develop out of this encounter. I must say, I did chance to see you a while back prior to sitting at the table together at a schoolmate’s house, but you didn’t acknowledge me back then. I guess I had to up my joke game to catch your attention! I love the way you’ve embraced motherhood over the past 22 years, especially as a stay-at-home mom. Your dedication to our three boys has created a home filled with love and understanding. Watching you guide them through life’s challenges and celebrating their milestones is a testament to the incredible mother you are. I love the way you pursued your dreams, completing your associate degree in graphic design and going back to school later in life. Your commitment to personal growth and learning reflects your character and the endless possibilities you see in every stage of life. I love the way family motivates you, guiding your actions and decisions. Your current goal to complete courses and set up a business aligning with your field of study reflects your dedication to creating a better future for us. I love the way you spend your free time.Whether it’s a simple conversation, finance-draining shopping, cooking, or checkingoneverybody in the family, your activities reflect the care and attention you invest in creating a loving and nurturing environment. I love thewaywenavigatedyourhealthchallenges— your breast cancer diagnosis and mental health struggles have had a significant impact and certainly changed everything for us. Facing these challenges together has strengthened our bond, and your courage through it all has been inspiring. You handled the stress and difficulties with grace. Being cancer-free for nine years showcases not only your strength but also your ability to triumph over adversity. Ilovethewayyouapproachfamilyandrelationships, even if it means sometimes prioritizing others to the detriment of yourself. Your selflessness and care for others are the cornerstones of our family dynamics. I love the way you are—compassionate, empathetic, and considerate. You show genuine concern for the well-being and feelings of others, always attentive to the needs of people around you (except the husband, of course). You go out of your way to offer support and help to those in need. As an example, you sometimes cook for the house, only to end up dishing out the entire meal for folks in the community—friends, school teachers, pharmacists, shop attendants, etc. To the extent that the food you cook for the home is finished even before the people in the house can eat any. Your generosity knows no bounds! And these are a few of the many things I love about you. Love, Evan. 38 The Birthday Journal
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