Do you know my husband?
He’s an amazing human being.
We first met 19 years ago (wow!) this month, in a political science class at UW-Eau Claire. It was us vs the professor and the rest of her obedient class. Lucky for them, we brought the diversity and rebellion of thought.
That Fall, Ryan was the university liaison for the Thompson for Wisconsin campaign, and I had just transferred to UWEC after working in Governor Thompson’s office in Madison. Fate!
Almost.
We fostered a friendship over the semester but then didn’t see each other again for 18 months (how that was possible on such a small campus I’m still not sure…).
In the meantime, Ryan was elected the youngest person ever to have served on the Eau Claire County Board, where he endured a lot of sass that I’m sure was helpful in preparing for me! ?
Like any good Eau Claire love story, we reconnected at a Water St bar in May of 2000.
Love quickly ensued.
How could it not?
He’s kind and wise.
Patient and measured.
Thoughtful and generous and so funny.
Handsome and humble.
He almost always has a great sense of direction.
He learned to cycle just before age 30 and to swim at age 35, and then quickly became a two-time Ironman.
He’s a leader you want to follow.
And he can learn new tricks-
like how to drive a big rig,
how to dump sewage,
how to captain a halibut charter boat,
and how to repair all sorts of things for the first time.
He’s a respectful and loving partner.
He takes care of me and our four beautiful kids (who all look like him!) better than anyone could.
And, most importantly, he’s better in every way than when we first met.
And did I mention he’s funny?!
I am so beyond blessed to know him and love him and I can’t imagine life without him.And today, he’s 40. ❤️
