Today I want to wish a Happy Birthday to Tyler. And I want to do that with a story.

I was watching Scout this afternoon and she was holding a baby doll. She often holds her baby dolls, carries them around, fake-feeds them, and changes their fake-dirty diapers. It’s really cute to see her interact with her baby dolls.

But today was different.

Today she wasn’t just meeting her baby doll’s fake-needs. Today she was having a conversation with her baby doll and showing empathy. She said in her fake-mommy voice, “oh baby doll, are you sad?” Then in a fake baby voice she said “uh huh… I need a hug.” And then in her mommy voice she started comforting her baby doll. “Aw, it’s okay baby doll.” And gave her a little hug. And I thought (as I often do), where did she learn that? Though, the answer came to me right away.

We have a wonderful, kind, and loving kid because our kid has a wonderful, kind, and loving mom. Tyler, you make our life so good. You make our family so good. Thank you for everything you do for us each and every day.

And now, of course I have to share pictures of my supermodel wife – mostly to prove that I’m not making her up. Kind, and beautiful? Yep. As I wish Happy Birthay to Tyler, I realize the universe has rewarded me.

Happy Birthday to Tyler Benfield! I hope you’ve have the best day!

~Dale