A Love Letter

Here's to the men who aren't threatened by passion, power, and wisdom in women.

Here's to the men who live life with humility.

Here's to the men who stand up and say what they think is right, even when it might mean they lose a friend.

And here's to the men who sometimes keep their opinions to themselves when they know the topic might not be important. Strong men are able to sit with the fact that others disagree with them.

Here's to the men who follow their passions.

Here's to the men who treat all women with love, respect, and dignity.

Here's to the men who listen attentively.

Here's to the men who love without stipulations.

Here's to the men who are fair-minded.

Here's to the men who can admit when they are wrong.

Here's to the men who are advocates for women.

Here's to the men who care about our world, our animals, our plants and trees.

Here's to the men who fight for the underdog.

Here's to the men who see a woman's intelligence, worth, and humanity before her body.

Here's to the men who lift others up.

Here's to the men who are willing to learn from the women [and men] around them.

Here's to the men who recognize that they might not always be right.

And most importantly, here's to the man who shows me love and grace each and every day. Here's to the man who teaches 6 year old girls that they are strong, smart, and brave. Here's to the man who also teaches 6 year old girls and boys to care for the world, for people, for creation, and for justice. You are my light and my joy, babe. You teach me to adventure, to play, to enjoy, and be enthusiastic. You remind me that I am enough, I am strong, I am brave, I am smart.

Thank you for showing us your beauty, strength, and worth without having to push others down in the process. Here's to you. Keep doing what you're doing. We see you. We appreciate you. We love you. Keep setting an amazing example of what a man should be. The little ones are watching.

-R