Happy Birthday Adrian Wesley!

I’d say this is extra but we both know I’m Leslie Knope, so we really can’t expect anything less. At least I’m not announcing your birthday from a plane like John Wall because we both know Brendan could totally do that. So, consider this my compromise.

I remember the first birthday I got to celebrate with you, it was your 24th and I just dropped gifts off at your apartment like a totally normal person and in the letter I wrote you, I told you that I loved you, like a sister-in-Christ because I did and I do. Let the record show that was the first time I ever told you that. Well today, I get to say it loud and proud. In all the ways. I love you as your sister-in-Christ. I love you as a best friend. I also now get to love you as your wife. I’d say being your wife is the biggest honor, but the truth is, I treasure each of those roles in their own way. Why? Because, my dear, you are the best brother, friend, and husband. Although, I know the last one is subjective and I have nothing to compare with but it’s your birthday so we’re going with it, okay? 

You’re the best brother, not only biologically but also spiritually. I know this because I’ve experienced the latter and because I’ve talked with your brothers and Alanna. They all admire your leadership and ability to gather people together in community. In my tenure as your sister-in-Christ, I’ve experienced that leadership, as well as your gifts of teaching, wisdom, kindness, generosity, and joy. It has been such a pleasure to walk with you together as we’ve grown and pursued Christ. And since this is the only role that we know for sure will continue in eternity, then perhaps this is the one I cherish most. Thank you for always spurring me on and calling me out. Thank you for always praying for me and for teaching me what it looks like to love others like Christ and for being an example of grace. You see people for who God has created them to be and want God’s best for them. You love selflessly and walk through trials with humility and meekness and honestly, that’s probably the part of you that I wish I was most like. Despite the heartache and hurt we’ve faced in this last year, you have been steadfast and faithful. 

You’re also the best possible friend anyone could have. I know because it’s been confirmed by lots of other people and isn’t just my bias but also because you’re the best friend I’ve ever had. Your ability to gather people and make sure everyone is having fun is something many people admire about you. You make whomever you’re talking to feel like the most important person in the room and you get excited for others when they’re sharing what they are also excited about. You might be a bad texter (although that has never been my experience... ) but I know that even though the conversations may be far and few these days, the depth is always there and it’s a joy to be your friend. The fact is, you’re a whole lot of fun and I have the best days with you. You make me laugh harder than anyone else and adventuring with you is my favorite thing to do. Not only are you one of the most fun people, you’re also compassionate and caring and have a servant heart. You never question sacrificing your time, energy, finances, or anything for others, especially your friends. As a Hufflepuff, you’re easily the best kind of friend anyone could have. I’m so thankful for the years of friendship we’ve shared and get to share and I’m really hoping we get to be friends in heaven too. 

Which brings me to the last point, you’re the best husband. Okay, to be fair, I’m working with limited experience when it comes to this, but in my opinion you are the best. And here’s why: you exemplify agape love better than anyone else I know. You put others first relentlessly. You communicate even when it’s hard. You extend grace and mercy abundantly and you listen so well. You lead us well, but also allow me to have my own voice and value it. I’m excited to see where this journey leads us and how we both grow and change together. I’m thankful to create a new family unit with you with our own traditions and quirks. One that honors where we’ve come from while also forging something new. You balance that tension so well and I’m really excited to see what the BA Jantzis look like in the future. I’m excited to hopefully someday see you as father of both daughters and sons but let’s be real, we both know you’re really going to slay the “dad of a daughter” game because, my husband, you make me feel more beautiful, cherished, loved, valued, respected, and honored than any other man has and I know you’ll do the same for any daughters we have. I love the ways you love me and I’m forever going to be blown away that you chose me. 

I love you Adrian Wesley and I wish you the happiest of birthdays. Let’s celebrate with some Sloppy Joe’s, pecan pie and some silly shenanigans.

Love, Little B