Cameron Lincoln Kelly

My sweetheart had a birthday about a week and a half ago, but unfortunately he was sick so we have postponed celebration to a future date. He doesn't seem to mind because he says his birthday falls at a time when everyone is burned out from Christmas and doesn't want to celebrate anything, which I can understand. He also comes from a family that doesn't make a big deal about birthdays. I, on the other hand, come from a family that always celebrates birthdays, has cake, calls if you are not around and sends presents and/or cards. Ironically, the only cards Cameron got for his birthday all came from people in my family. It's not that his family doesn't love him... they just celebrate differently. But it was hard for me not to do anything on his birthday. There was no cake, no presents, no party although I did get up early to make him a breakfast of pancakes and bacon and eggs. This is not the end of Cameron's 32nd birthday... oh no. There will be cake and presents...

However, as I was thinking about all of this, I thought a little post birthday tribute might be in order. Cameron is my best friend, and I absolutely love him. There are not many people who would do the things he does for me. Just yesterday, I woke him up at 5:40am to go running when it was 34 degrees outside. Here we are running in Central Park when it is still dark enough to be considered night and it's cold. And he's wearing the spider man pants I got him. There are not many men who would do that, especially not on a daily basis. He goes to beginner yoga classes with me and consents to doing a 200-mile relay not once, not twice but three times. He cleans the bathroom, does the dishes and folds the laundry when I don't want to and he fixes things. He also walks me to work every morning. That is one of the highlights of my day.

There are just so many wonderful things to say about him. He's funny and always has me laughing. He's a talented writer and full of good stories. He's diligent and faithful and says the most amazing and sincere prayers... the kind that make you feel like you are protected and loved just because you were there to hear it and be a part of it. He's full of kindness and goodness... the kind that make you wish you were a better person. He's always thinking about other people, wanting to visit them, share what he has, give up his time. He loves Harlem and the young men of our stake and wants to see them succeed. He's so loving and encouraging and sweet and tender. He's a good friend to everyone and pretty much anyone who has ever met him and known him has the utmost love and admiration for him.

He makes me dinner, holds my hand, carries my stuff, tells me he loves me several times a day and takes care of me. How could I not love him? How did I get so lucky? I'm so grateful for him I hardly know how to express it. He is the love of my life and everything is just better with him around. Here's to being 32, love...