The conversation often starts with, “Are you from Texas?” or “Did you grow up in Texas?”

We both reply with, “No.”

I’m from California.

You’re an army brat who calls Georgia home. (Although, I’ve always wondered why the term is “brat”…)

So then, people ask how we met. I think they assume that we met in Texas. Or in California. Or Georgia. But we throw them for a loop when we say, “Florida.”

Or, to be more precise, “Disney World.”

I know. Sometimes the story catches me off guard, too. If it wasn’t for Disney World and the College Program, we would have never met. Our paths and our lives would have never crossed. So, I’m thankful to good ol’ Walt Disney and his pal Mickey Mouse. For bringing us together. But really, I thank God every day that he orchestrated our paths crossing in Florida that one day in August seven years ago. My life changed when I met you, I just didn’t know it at the time.

Over the almost eight years that we’ve known each other and almost four years of marriage, I’ve witnessed you help me become a better person. Seriously. I might have been book smart before we met, but man, you really helped me become a better version of me. Someone who is happy, loved, and cares for others. You help me be less selfish everyday, and for that I’m grateful. I know that you were not placed in my life by accident. Our unusual story proves that.

So today, on your birthday, I just want to tell you how excited I am that we are embarking on yet another year of adventures together and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

You’re the macaroni to my cheese. (Aren’t you glad I didn’t make you the cheese?)

I love you so much. Happy Birthday, my love.