30 letters

This year, my darling husband turned the big 3-0.  I wanted to do something very special for his birthday, but being very far away from family and friends made it a little difficult. 

We spent a wonderful weekend in NYC, I cooked and baked his favorite dishes (this and this), and also made a fun date jar!  But I wanted to make him feel so loved and cherished, not just by me, but his closest friends and family.

Since I couldn't throw a big birthday bash, I decided to instead invite those near and dear to John to send letters, memories, pictures, and cards for him to open on his special day.

Over 40 envelopes came in the mail, addressed to me, and I secretly hid them, and then bundled them all together for John to open on the night of his birthday.

On the outside of the bundle, I made a handwritten card that read:

"You are loved.  I wish that I could have invited all of your family and friends over for a 30th birthday party.  But since that wouldn't work, here are 30+ notes, cards, and memories from your favorite people in the world.   You mean so much to them!"  

(he was so excited, and thankful!)

There were homemade & colorful letters from our nieces....

pictures and memories from his time in the Fellows program in Memphis....

funny stories, and embarrassing moments from his Duke buddies....

collages, and poems from childhood friends....

cards from our dear family...

the most meaningful and touching letters from college friends....

and novel-length stories from best friends, and his dear parents...

It truly was such an inspirational and encouraging gift, and I obviously couldn't have made it happen without all of those who were a part of this special project.

John was simply speechless after he opened the last letter... he said that his "heart was filled to the brim", and I'm pretty sure it made turning 30, a whole lot sweeter.

I love you, honey!  Here's to the best year yet! 

XOXO