Happy Birthday Patrick!

Happy 33rd Birthday Daddy!

Usually when I sit down to write I can pound out a blog post in 10 to 15 minutes.  I just ask myself how I'm feeling and the words just flow out of me.  I don't feel pressure to make it perfect.  I rarely make edits or struggle to find the right words.  Today is different.  I am asking myself how I am feeling but I am struggling a bit.  I have been sitting with my iPad for nearly 30 minutes and have only written two paragraphs. 

I am struggling because my blog post is not about me today.  It is about my husband, Patrick.  It is his 33rd birthday today and I want this post to celebrate how amazing he is.  I want this post to be perfect.

Patrick and I have been together since September of 2001.  That is a lot of birthdays, anniversaries, and Father's Days.  After awhile it becomes harder and harder to buy gifts for each other that the other person actually needs or wants.  The last seven months have taught me that it is not about buying gifts.  The greatest gift you can give another person is telling them how you feel about them.  Patrick, this is my gift to you.

Patrick,

When I sat down to write this I didn't want it to be a repeat of anything that I had written before.  I asked myself  "What is one word that I would use to describe Patrick?"  It was my idea to pick a word and explain why I chose it.  The problem: I cannot just pick one word.  I would think of one and then think, "but he is also this word too."  I think that says a lot about the type of person you are.  I, as well as your family and friends, all know this about you.  My idea kind of evolved as a result.  Not only did I pick a word, but I asked many of your family and friends to pick a word too.  It could be a serious or humorous word; it was their choice.  You are loved by many and I hope by reading these you will understand how much.  But first, a little message from your daughters.

Strong (Jamie Smith): I chose this word because I know it is not one you would choose to describe yourself.  You, my love, have been through more in 33 years than most go through in an entire lifetime.  Still, you NEVER put yourself first.  In my opinion, that takes more strength than anything.  You are strong.  You make me strong.

All-Star:  Puddy is an all-star husband and an all-star dad of the year.  I know that if I ever needed a listening ear or words of advice, Puddy would be someone I would confide in.  He's been like a dad figure for me but in his eyes he likes to think he is more of a "big brother."  Keep being a one of a kind all-star.

Big Brother:  He's the big brother I never had...always watching out for me, offering advice, and like Olaf, ready with warm hugs, LOL!  The guy has his priorities right...Faith, Family and Friends. Hard to find people like that in today's world. Cool thing about Puddy...the line between friend and family are blurred. He makes his friends feel like part of his family.

Brother:  Might not seen eye to eye all the time growing up but like family I know he would be there.

Perseverance: His back has been up against the wall a few times with life's challenges.  He continues to fight.  Happy Birthday Pud!  Love, Tom 

Caring:  He is so loving as a husband and I definitely envy you Jamie for finding such a wonderful kind man that treats you so well! The first time I saw Patrick was when I was in the daycare at NLXF and he came in and hugged the girls so tight and you could tell how much they were loved by their dad and how much they loved him. Then I met both of you and from that minute on I wished that someday I could have such an amazing bond and such a loving family! Patrick is such an amazing father to those girls and also a great friend who is always trying to help everyone out anyway he can! He definitely needs the spotlight turned on him on his birthday! He definitely deserves it!

Gracious: Patrick, I have had the privilege of knowing you for two years and have been able to witness you as a husband to Jamie and as a dad to 4 darling little ladies. One word never does a person justice, but when I think about who you are as a person and who you are in my life I would say you are one of the most GRACIOUS [Respectful. Compassionate. Kind.] men I know. It is rare that people welcome you into their family the way your family has. You protect me like a dad and give me a hard time like a friend. You treat your wife with a beautiful love & respect that isn't common these days and you are a fantastic dad! Thank you for letting me be a part of your family! Have the happiest of birthdays P.Smith! -KK

Genuine and Gentle:  He loves big.  Once you become friends with him you're basically family.  Family is his top priority - he would do anything for his girls. 

Genuine:  He is one of the most sincere people I know. He is genuinely nice to everyone and never puts on a front. I especially love hearing him talk about you and the girls or reading his posts about your family because they are a true depiction of just how genuine he is; he isn't just professing his love for all of his Smith ladies on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries; rather, he does it on a frequent basis which tells me that he means every word he says/writes about you! He isn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and I think that's awesome!

Selfless:  He puts others' needs in front of his own. He is always making sure everyone is taken care of. That makes him a great friend and an even better husband and father.

OPPORTUNISTIC: "exploiting chances offered by immediate circumstances without reference to a general plan or moral principle." Patrick has gone through more by the age 33 than many people his age. He doesn't endure these challenges, he is better because of them. This isn't by chance, it is by choice. He hasn't simply found a strong support group, he has created one.

Attentive:  I am extremely impressed with how he has handled everything in the last 6 months. It appears to me as if he is quite mindful of all 5 of his girls and does his very best to be there for you guys.

Sincere: He is one of those people who truly wants to know how you're doing when he asks. He's not looking for 'surface talk' - he is so thoughtful in always asking/caring about others' jobs, family, life, etc. I think that's why we all became friends so quickly - who wouldn't want to hang around someone so genuine! His sincerity is infectious and we're so glad to call him friend!

Big-Hearted:  From the time he told me I was great the way I was to the guy who played football with my boys in the Dome without getting tired or complaining. They still talk about that guy! Always looking out for others. 
 

Friendly:  Seems simple, but it's refreshing to meet someone who is genuinely friendly. It really can make someone's day.

Can't pick one!: Thoughtful, caring, struggling golfer:-) One of the best human beings I know.

Passive-Agressive: Passive when it comes to cardio. Aggressive when it comes to relaxing and having a beer.  :-) 

Driven By Love:  We can talk him into anything if you can tug on his heart strings. 

Strong when you are weak, brave when you are scared, and humble when you are victorious!  And every now and then a little shitfaced at Christmas!  ;-)  Ali

Best BABY brother EVER!  Not to mention watching him be the BEST Husband and Daddy to his girls!  LOYAL and ETERNALLY GRATEFUL TO ALL!  MOM has been with him, Jamie, the girls, all of us...always....I know that Mom always told Dad that he had to make sure Mom's baby was take care of always. I know Mom has been with Patrick every step of the way. After all, Patrick is namesaked after the both of them (Patrick Robert-Patricia-Mom and Robert-Dad). I just had to speak on behalf of Mom and Dad. My brothers and I know we have the BEST Baby Brother God could have ever gave us....blessed to watch him be the BEST to his wife, his girls, family and friends.  Love always and forever, Your Sis

Motivator, Inspirational, Twelve
Sincerely grateful

Loyal (x2)

Dedicated to Friendship 

Dedicated to helping and caring about everyone around him.

Golden Retriever 

Genuine