Happy Valentine's Day Deb

I must admit that I'm not the best at buying gifts for my wife. Christmas is tough. Birthdays, forget it.

When it comes to Valentine's Day, it's almost impossible.

The best gift she ever gave me was our daughter Rachael over 21 years ago. How in the world can I top that?

It's not that I don't want to try, but I know it's impossible.

As I was walking to get my morning coffee I had a thought. What about a Valentine's blog? Share with everyone else what I already know. All the good things about Deb. But then again, I don't have enough time to share everything that's good about her.

Deb and I have had "our moments" like every other couple, but they've passed without ever escalating into anything big. Maybe it's my care-free attitude and fun-loving character. Not! That would be Deb, and I thank her for that.

I'm the one who needs a little bit of that!

Since Rachael left for college it's just Deb and I in the farm house. You'd think it would get boring, but that's not been the case. Deb does a great job of making every evening after work, and the weekends, enjoyable. I look forward to going home and being with her. We don't have to do anything to have a good time. I know that sounds crazy, but it's the truth.

Deb claims not to be an athlete and had nothing to do with Rachael's love for golf and eventually earning a Division 1 scholarship. She couldn't be farther from the truth! Well, the athlete part ... there may be some (a little) truth to that. But she was there with Rachael from the beginning when she first picked up a golf club at age 2, and was there watching and supporting her at all of her tournaments. When she had a rough opening 18 holes at the USGA Junior Girls National Championships in North Carolina, it was Deb who consoled her and brought her spirits up. What did I do? Well, let's just say I should have followed Deb's lead!

Deb's love for education shows every day in her second-grade classroom. Some teachers call her "the fun teacher." That's because she is! She makes learning fun and enjoyable, and her students learn! How could any 8-year-old not enjoy Fun Friday? The bottom line is, students CAN have fun and learn at the same time. Maybe Mitch Daniels needs to come to WRV-Worthington and witness a good school and teachers in action.

Deb passed that love of education on to Rachael, and I know she was as proud as a peacock when Rachael gave her salutatorian address.

I guess the biggest hurdle Deb was forced to get over the past 25 years (I can't believe it, but we'll celebrate our 25th anniversary March 30) is dealing with me.

I have no clue how she does it. She listens to my "how my day went" stories almost daily. She shares her opinion, which I respect, and then we go on with our evening.

I believe one of the reasons Deb and I get along so well is because of the Christian faith we share. Christians have problems just like everyone else. But when times get tough -- for me, her or Rachael -- I guarantee you Deb will turn to prayer.

That's what she did when she decided a year or so ago to undergo surgery to battle a problem she's dealt with for many years. And I couldn't be more proud of how things have turned out for her! She was a good person inside and beautiful on the outside before the surgery, and now ... well, let's just say I'm so happy for her.

Valentine's Day is a day to show your loved one how you feel. I hope I've been able to accomplish that with this blog.

But do we really need a special day to do that?

I love you, Deb.