This One Goes Out to the One I Love

Today is my husband’s birthday.

I don’t write a whole lot here about Dennis, for several reasons. First, he’s a public figure, at least here in Nashville, and I don’t want to embarrass him (too much). Second, he’s an adult and doesn’t need his wife telling the whole world about his private life. Third, I’ve always been very protective of our marriage. It’s a sacred thing to me and I’ve been reluctant to open it to public criticism and comment.

But today, I’m dropping all of those reasons. Today, I’m going to tell you all about my husband.

Dennis and I have been married eleven years ago and, like most couples, we’ve had some incredible highs and some crappy, crappy lows. A marriage is very hard work and somehow, we’ve gotten to a point as a society where we all try to pretend that it isn’t. If we’re struggling, we keep it to ourselves. We’re ashamed. We think it will make us look weak and flawed to others.

The truth from where I stand now, though, is that without those crappy lows, I wouldn’t have the amazing marriage I have today. We’ve soldiered through the hard times. We’ve fought to stay together, to make time for each other, to learn how to argue in a way that we could both feel good about ourselves at the end of it. And we’ve done everything we could to remain deeply, truly in love. I am so glad I have a husband who was willing to keep fighting for me and for our relationship. I don’t think we’d still be married if he hadn’t been 100% committed to Us at all times.

That’s Dennis the husband. Dennis the man is just as impressive.

In the ego-driven profession of television news, Dennis’s sole reason for going to work each day is to serve and help others. I mean it. That’s it, and I can tell you as a former news reporter myself, that’s unheard of. He sees the opportunity in his job to be a voice for the voiceless and he does it every chance he gets. He passionately believes in serving God and serving others, whether they are his family, his friends, or people in the community. He thinks about this and reads about it a lot, and I’ve seen him put these thoughts into action countless times- more and more with each year that passes. He is constantly on the phone with friends and acquaintances who call him to ask for advice because they know they can trust him. He is constantly being stopped by strangers who want to thank him for stories he’s done. This man’s priorities are truly in order. God first. Family second. Community third.

But this past year has been what I’ve called Dennis’s ‘Job’ Year. I’m not talking about his job. I’m talking about Job from the Bible, the guy God tested with all kinds of calamities, to find out how much he truly loved him. Well, Dennis has faced one challenge after another, all year long and in all kinds of areas, things I’ve seen completely unhinge the strongest and most successful of men. Nothing was catastrophic on its own, but a string of difficulties, many of which you can do nothing about, can really take a toll.

Do you want to know how he has reacted to each challenge?

With absolute grace. Strength. Courage. Optimism. And a reassuring and very authentic calm that kept me calm, too.

Dennis knows who he is and what he believes and what really matters in life–  and it has allowed him to face all problems he encounters head-on, without being consumed by them. He has been tested. And he has passed with flying colors.

I’ve loved Dennis for eleven years, but after watching him over the last year, I have to admit– I’ve never loved him more.

In good times and in bad, this is a man I can trust with my heart. My family. My life. Forever.

Happy birthday, Dennis. You are my everything.