I've often called you a gem of a man, meaning that you are exceptionally covetable as far as dude partners go. But the more I grow in knowledge of and love for you, the more I understand just what it means to be a gem: To be uncommon is to walk a lonely road at times. Precious stones are forged under pressure, yet emerge from the pain reflecting light, not obscuring it. Their hardness is not a brittle shell but rather a delicate, transparent strength. Happy birthday to the gem in my life. In the coming year, may you experience grace and courage and faith all the more abundantly. ❤️💎