Dana Jean,
Winnie the Pooh said, "If you live to be a 100, I want to live to be 100 minus one day so I never have to live without you."
If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is.
Coming up with the words to describe love for someone who is so indescribable is no easy task. The way you love me…and all of us….is boundless, and difficult to explain if you don’t know Dana Jean Hansen.
From the very beginning, I have stood on the mound with you as my catcher. We learned to communicate without words. You have saved my ass on countless occasions, many of which shall remain our secret forever. I can’t get anything past you, you know me too well, and you hold me accountable to myself.
We have always been a team, yet somehow, you manage to make everyone feel this way.
It is truly remarkable.
Perhaps more than most people, you have shaped me. As a person, as a mother, as a partner, a professional, a friend, a Christian, and a woman. For most of my biggest moments in life, it is you who has always been there.
There was that one time in Mexico when you actually listened when I suggested where to put your tattoo. The next time in Mexico you arranged for 27 people from seven different states to attend my 40th birthday party.
Then there was that time in San Antonio, TX when we got drunk you stripped into your undies, and rolled down the lazy river in the middle of the night, with your colleagues. Later on you got your dream job, not only to remain the “fun boss”, but to emerge the compassionate and brilliant CFO who can speak with any one, at any level, and allow them to feel valued and worthy.
There was also the time you deemed me “a virgin for far too long”, and then orchestrated a perfectly planned evening compete with romantic dinner…and the actual date. You later taught me about real love and partnership and marriage and dignity in watching you love David in sickness and in health.
You were honest enough to express your disappointment in me when I “got married” in a way that didn’t seem to honor the sanctity of such an important event. And then you were my biggest supporter when I told you I thought I should get divorced.
You were my hype girl when I was fresh back on the dating scene, and who coached me into it, recommending that I, “Get some sexy lingerie, wear something easy access, and put my insecurities on the shelf. Then lay back and enjoy!”
You spoke at my father’s funeral…and declined to speak at my sister’s.
Because you knew it should be me.
You are the person who my daughter gets up early for at Camp---just to talk with you while you braid her hair. You have always been her Auntie, and recognize the importance of that role…especially now.
There are a million more moments to come, and a million more stories to tell. Because you, Dana Jean, are the center of our wheel…
…the toast to our champagne.
…the frosting on the cupcake.
…the Yin to our Yang.
…the noodle to our pool.
You are infinite in my heart, and I hope I never have to live a day without you.
Love,
Beck