I’ve never done a public birthday shoutout but this year feels different. @katieaselton has been my wife, my sister, my rock and my lifeline during the pandemic. We made the choice at the very beginning to hunker down and essentially cohabitate and it was the greatest decision of my life. She makes me laugh, she feeds me, she pours me drinks, she plays games with me, she tells me I’m a good mom when I need to hear it most, she loves my kids like they are her own, she loves my husband, she digs deep and is willing to get in the mud of life, she is the best partner during a 9 mile river run and the best person to sit on the couch and talk about life with. She is basically the best person to do nothing with and the best person to do it all with. I am forever indebted to the love and experiences she provided during a very challenging time. She is my #pandiepal (Ooh, am I starting an internet sensation?? Feel free to use this to shout out the friend that saved you in these dark times! ). I can’t wait to see all of the places and experiences life brings our way! You are a special one Vakatie. I love you.