The Happiest Birthday

The man brushed the snow from his shoulders and stomped his feet on the outside porch rug. He could hear laughter and talking coming from inside of the house and it brought a smile to his face. The voice of a woman intermingled with those of three small children- the oldest, a girl age seven and two younger boys ages six and three. He took a moment to breathe in the cold night air and bask in the fruits of his labor. The shoveled walk was his doing. Ordinarily he paid a young neighbor to clear his drive, but this night was special. It was his fortieth birthday. He wanted to have this moment to take stock of how far his life had come and what was yet to be achieved.

He'd knocked off a good portion of his life's checklist. Get married, check. Not just to anyone, but to the love of his life. He'd waited long enough to meet her that when she arrived he'd reach the point where he refused to settle if a woman came along and she wasn't it. There were many options, some he surely could've been happy with, but there was always something that made him second guess them... until her. She caught him completely off guard. Even though he'd felt sure his heart was impervious, he found himself thinking of ways to make her happy, and worrying about her in a way that was so new and different he initially rejected it. Now, he couldn't imagine his life any other way. She was exactly what a wife should be, and suited him well. She was a friend when he needed one, a confidante at all times, and the person he had the most fun with. He thought of her as soon as he woke up and she was his last thought as he fell asleep. Together, they were unstoppable. Once he realized she was it, marrying her, building a life with her, became the easiest choice he'd ever made.

Together, they made three beautiful children. His daughter was sassy and sweet- the kind of girl that makes it hard not to laugh while you punish her. Many nights he and his wife cheerfully recalled her antics. She had taught him to love in a way that made his heart feel ten times bigger than ever before. So when her brothers arrived, he welcomed them into his life in a way that surprised him. Standing outside, breathing in the night air, tears sprang to his eyes. He had a family. Just when he thought he might be a bachelor forever, he became a family man. And he'd never been happier.

He looked out at the quiet neighborhood, still except for the occasional car driving by. His car in the driveway, his family in the house... he was content. He took one last breath, smiled and headed inside. Greeted by squeals of "Dad!" and the warm smile of his wife, it was the happiest birthday he could remember.