Happy 40th, Zainab

Tomorrow you turn 40.

We’ve been through so many different phases of life together, moved countries, changed plans more times than I can count, dealt with plenty of stress, and somehow kept moving forward through all of it.

You’ve been beside me through the good, the difficult, the uncertain, and probably more of my crazy ideas than anyone should reasonably have to deal with.

That’s what I appreciate most about you.

You’re not just my wife. You’re the person I’ve built my life with.

I know I don’t always say these things properly, but I do appreciate you, and I do see how much you’ve been there for me through everything.

Forty is a big milestone, but more than anything, I hope this next chapter brings you more happiness, more peace, and a lot more of the things you actually want from life.

Happy 40th birthday, Zainab.

I love you.