Stephenson Family Ties

It doesnt happen all at once. You become. It
takes a long time. Thats why it doesnt happen often
to people who break easily, or have sharp
edges, or who have to be carefully kept.
Generally, by the time you are Real, most of
your hair has been rubbed off, and your eyes
drop out and you get loose in the joints and
very shabby. But these things dont matter at
all, because once you are Real you cant be ugly,
except to people who dont understand.
from: Velveteen Rabbit
by: Margery Williams

I've gone back and forth and back again on whether I can use this quote for the heading of the post about my Builder and his birthday. Ive decided that after all he's been through this last year, he is now firm in the knowledge that he is as 'real' as they get. There were times when he worried about getting older and the signs that manifest the obvious...but I believe we're past that now and are learning to enjoy the moment!!! He's been banged around a bit...in the school of hard knocks... but he can be found standing and fighting once again. Thats just what my dear Builder does.
The writing on the wall seems to say that this next year is going to be a good one for my Builder. He has confidence, and so do I!!! Tonight we're going to eat cake and then go get 'drunk' on a Nelson's Frozen Custard...a Brunt Almond Fudge Malt to be exact!! Come join us if you'd like!!!
Happy Happy Birthday My Love!!!
Im gonna love you forever and ever!!!