the long farewell

Apparently, you can look up the meaning of your name on Urban Dictionary. So I looked up my name and the first 30 or so definitions for “chad” were horribly derogatory and all tended to be aimed at drunken arrogant frat boys. So, I figured I’d look up Tina’s name. I crossed my fingers and hoped for something more positive:

Christina

1. The coolest, cutest, nicest girl ever. With the best personality, also very quick witted and very smart. Everyone should get to meet her at least once.

2.  Greek/ Latin in Origin. This name means “annointed christian”. 

3. A super hot girl usually hard to get. Usually the number 1 girl in school that everyone wants.

4. Christina, is a lovely whip smart person with a slight streak of madness that enlivens conversations and entertains anyone who meets her. She instantly puts people at ease with a warm feeling of familiarity. Maybe she has this effect on everyone, of giving the impression that she is an instant friend. She has a pure heart and believes in fairness. She is a team player and will put as much effort into a loved one’s project as her own. She has a wicked sense of humour. Her beauty is timeless and classic. She values nurturing above all else. She puts you at ease with her beauty but at a turn can remind you she is the most stunning and intelligent woman in the room.

5. An extremely AWESOME person. so much fun to be around, and so freakishly awesome. Christinas tend to be really funny and so, so cool.

Good job Urban Dictionary you finally got something right.

Eight or so months ago Tina got her greatest desire; a child [although at times, I swear she is more goat than human...have you noticed her newly formed little tail?]. I’ve seen a lot of great mothers out there, but I can honestly say that my wife has truly found her calling in life. I’ve never seen a better mother . Her patience, love, compassion, and gentleness are humbling and inspiring. When Hannah grows up I know that she will always be able to say that there was never a better example of Christ’s unconditional love than her mother.

Perhaps some of my fondest memories of the day  are in the morning when Tina and I wake Hannah up. With lines on her face, she bounces up to grab the rail and squeals with delight as she sees us walk into her room. My second favorite part of the day is when we feed her and put her down. [No, it's not because we get a break...well, some days it is--just keeping it real.] We read a book while she feeds. When she’s finished we pray for Hannah, then put her in her crib and gently whisper, “Good night servant of the Lord, warrior of the Most High. May the Lord give you a kind and gentle spirit and a heart that loves you more than anything else in this world.” It’s very comforting to know that my wife’s only ambition in life is to show my daughter Christ.

How I ended up with Tina is beyond me. She is a constant reminder of the grace of God in my life. I don’t think I ever quite understood unconditional love until I met her. I see the way she genuinely cares for people and her deep concern for the lives of others and I’m challenged to dig deeper into the relationships in my own life. Her love for studying the Bible is a constant encouragement and reminder of where her wisdom comes from.

Hannah and I are pretty excited about celebrating an amazing wife, mother, and friend not just on July 28th…but every day. Hannah and I brain stormed about some things we could do for Tina today. My idea was a killer blog and breakfast. Hannah suggested that she not wear a diaper all day so mom wouldn’t have to change her. Needless to say, we went with my idea.

T Peezy, what a year, huh? We got a baby and I’m pretty sure you haven’t cut your hair either. I smell the purchase of a castle with a reenactment of Rapunzel in the works.

Thanks for loving me like Christ loves the church.

I’ve been flying solo on engagement shoots and meetings for awhile since our 8 month old, Hannah, can’t quite take care of herself yet. My mom was in town so Tina got to come out on a shoot recently and I was able to take some shots while we scouted locations.

Good to have you back Tpeezy, good to have you back.