31

Kevin likes to make his own gifts, which is so thoughtful.  Some of the most important things he has given me have been given on hand-written cards (like asking me to marry him).  I have a box I keep these mementos in to look at from time-to-time. 

On my 31st birthday this year, Kevin made another card for me with a very interesting piece of paper tucked inside the card. 

I was so confused when I looked at this initially, forcing him to explain the meaning behind it.  You see, when we officially made the decision to adopt, we couldn't even think about the costs involved.  The costs are too great & we knew there was no way we'd be able to afford it.  We have been working towards becoming debt-free, we want to buy our house & we needed a new car (because our 1 and only Saturn has been dying a slow, painful death this year).  All of these things require lots & lots of $$$. So when we decided to make that leap into the adoption process, we knew it would be a major step of faith.  As Kevin looked at me expectantly, hoping I would put the pieces together of this gift, he finally gave up & explained it to me.

Earlier this summer, Kevin decided to sell his Starbucks stock & figured it wouldn't amount to much. He had hoped there would be enough to put a little towards recording a new album, paying off a credit card or just into our savings.  Little did he know that his stocks were worth about triple what he anticipated!!!  So this 'check' for $3,000 was a portion he delegated to give me for my birthday to jump-start our adoption fund. 

*happy tears*

Do I have the best husband or what?  We keep this on our fridge & I smile every time I see it.  My husband gave HOPE for my birthday & that is more than money could ever buy.