I contemplated throwing him a big surprise party but if you know Cullen, then you know he is not the type to enjoy a lot of "hoopla". Cullen is one that refers to birthdays as "just another day that ends in y". His simple approach to life is one of the things I love most about him. He has such a gracious heart and such a humble spirit...and is so very sentimental (a quality that I cherish in him). As I thought about his birthday, I wanted to do something special, but something that HE would appreciate. I remembered seeing something on Pinterest and decided to expand on that idea and I am so proud of how it turned out! In honor of his 40th birthday, I decided to create a book of letters for him...from those who know and love him. I began this idea back in April with a letter to his family, friends and even some of his coworkers...asking for their help in my endeavor:) The letter:
Hello everyone!
If you're receiving this letter it is because you are
someone that has impacted Cullen’s life and likewise someone who has been
impacted by Cullen. As you know, Cullen will be turning 40 in December. To celebrate his birthday, I would like to
put together a little surprise to let him know that there are many who are
celebrating his 40 years of life. I am going to try and create "40 Years
of Memories" by filling 40 envelopes with a memory his friends and family
have of him. Cullen is very sentimental
and I thought this would be an incredible keepsake for him and one that can be
passed down to Will…and any kids to come.
The letters/memories will come from family members, friends, coworkers
and church friends so that it will truly encompass all of you who are important
to Cullen.
I need your help in creating this surprise for
Cullen. If you have a spare moment in
the next few weeks, I would be so grateful if you would jot down a few words
about how Cullen has impacted your life, or simply a favorite memory of
him. Please do whatever is easiest for
you as far as handwritten or typed. It
can also be as long, or as short, as you want…there are no rules or formats,
just something that will be meaningful for Cullen to keep.
Thank you so very much for helping me with this! I know
how busy everyone is, so I truly appreciate you taking the time to do this for
me…and ultimately for Cullen. Your time
and efforts will be well worth it when he reads what each of you wrote. (Please
don't forget to keep it a surprise until then though!)
My sincerest thanks,
Bethany Smith
P.S.
I am enclosing an envelope that is addressed to my parents’ house-so that
Cullen will not see themJ.
I got a handful of letters immediately and more over the summer. I decided to send out a reminder email around October to remind everyone to please send them as soon as they could because I had decided to make the letters into a scrapbook. I am so thankful to Cullen's friends and family for helping me with this because the end result was incredible! I was so impressed with the time that so many put into them...and how genuinely heartfelt so many were. I loved reading the stories people shared and it was so special to read about how much Cullen means to his friends and family. I did not need these letters to tell me what a remarkable husband I have...but I am grateful that he has this book as a keepsake, and something he can pass down to Will and baby #2. I am sharing this on my blog for others out there who may need an idea for a birthday or anniversary...for that sentimental loved one in your life:)
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| Happy Birthday Cullen! |
We celebrated over dinner...and his favorite dessert, banana pudding! Will helped his daddy blow out his candle with his spatula...aka, his sword:)
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