Met My Wife; Changed My Life

Today is my wife, Paula's birthday. I always joke with people that the most important thing about that is it means mine is only 10 weeks away. 

But what I really want this post to be about is shining the spotlight on her and celebrate the miracle of having her in my life.  

I will share with you how she gives me the life I never thought I'd ever have in a bit. But first I want to expound on the one thing I admire the most about her, her resilience. 

All her life, no matter what circumstances she has gone through, Paula has survived and grown. Sometimes because of them but mostly in spite of them. 

She has and continues to have an amazing way of finding the positive aspects and finding ways to make life better every day. She survives and triumphs at the same time. 

I guess the best way to explain it is that to say she's a living example of the Serenity Prayer. She accepts and adapts to the things she can't change and does what she has to do get through them.  While also, having the courage and drive and insight to move forward and change in ways she can. 

Her fortitude has helped her succeed in a 30+ year career with the same company. Over that time she has risen from an entry level job to a position in upper management. 

The same thing is true with her personal life. She did what needed to be done to raise her two boys. They are both now young men in their 30s with lives of their own.
   
As her husband and someone who doesn't always handle life's issues very well, there is a sense of security and assurance in knowing that with Paula by my side, we will always make it through.  

I could write a book about events and circumstances we have survived since we've been together as well as those she over came before we met. Maybe one day I will. 

Let me summarize what I'm saying about her with this. In this day and age when women who overcome obstacles and come out on top are celebrated, Paula should be a headliner. She is the toughest person I know. Nothing beats her, she won't let it. Of the million things I love about her that probably tops the list. 

Recently, Paula has taken the next step in living her best life. She made the decision to follow a dream of owning her own business. She found a product she believes in and is sharing it with her world. 

It has been a pleasure seeing her go full force into this with all her skills and creativity. 

But not only that, it is taking her to places she has never been before.  She has had to learn a lot of about marketing. This includes getting deeply involved with social media. 

I never thought I'd ever see my wife go on Facebook live, once, but now she's going live every week. 

I have had things I've said I wanted to do for quite a while now. Seeing her following her dream has inspired me to finally stop hesitating and get em done. 

The next thing I want to share about my wife is how she has given me the gift of a life that I never would have ever had without her. 

Twenty years ago when I moved to Kentucky to be with her, I had no idea much better my life would become. 

Being married to Paula has taken me places I had only dreamt of going before I met her.   

In 20 years I have been to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee multiple times; Walt Disney World 5 times; St. Louis, Chicago 4 times; Chatanooga, Myrtle Beach, Cincinatti, Milwaukee, Destin, Florida and most recently Branson MO. 

But I'm not only talking about travel. Because of the encouragement, assurance and security Paula has given me, I have been able to do so many other things. 

I became a ventriloquist; was able to build my own home recording studio enabling me to create the music programs I love to write; taught myself to play the ukulele, and became a blogger. 

I have owned two brand new cars, been able to subscribe to XM radio which may not seem like a big deal but enjoying it is a big part of my life. 

I can't even begin to list the number of shows, plays, and entertainment events we have gone to over the years.  

And last but not in anyway the least, she has given me the blessing of being a father and a grandfather. Those two things are by far and away the best things she's ever given me. 

I realize that I have just written quite a bit about myself.  But it is all to illustrate the amazing things that being married to Paula has allowed me to do. Not only that she has always supported me through all of it.  

Now I know there's no way I could ever know what my life would have been like if I had not met and married Paula. (Actually, I really don't even like thinking about it) But based on where I was, in life, when we met, I can't ever imagine having a life close to the one she has enabled me to live. 

I want to close this post with a link to one of my favorite Ronnie Milsap songs that expresses the spirit of gratitude and love I want this post to convey to my wife on her birthday. 
What A Difference You've Made In My Life

To my soul mate, Paula Kaye Havens, the life changer God led me to over 20 years ago. I Love You Always And Forever. Happy Birthday Darlin.