Sometimes we are fortunate enough to have the time and space to look at our lives…
…and the people we share them with. I’ve spent well over half my life with Thom.
He is such a good sport…and pretty darn cute too.
He has put up with all my quirks, neuroses and annoying habits all these years…
…which is probably a little like being married to Lucy Ricardo.
Come to think of it, he’s always quick to jump on board the family bandwagon.
But he is a calm voice on whom the kids and I can depend for a fresh perspective.
Such a gentle and compassionate soul.
He is my playmate…
…my safe harbor…
…the father of my children…and it shows.
And in this world of uncertainty…
…the kids and I know he is always there to catch us should we fall.
We would follow him anywhere.
Anywhere!
And that means anywhere!
My friend.
My love.
My prince.
Dear Thom, here’s wishing you a Happy Birthday, and many more!
All words and images copyright Naomi Baltuck.
Writing Between the Lines 
I was just thinking about you yesterday and look, she appears! what a lovely post for your hubby. happy birthday Thom!! (Lucy!!!!! I’m home!!!)
Hi Toby! Thanks for making me smile. Just been up to my ears with travel, house guests, storytelling and work commitments. It’s really sweet to hear from you. Thanks for thinking of me.
you’re welcome 🙂
Yours is an enviable relationship.
Hi Carol, It would probably drive some people crazy, as we are also both very independent and tend to wander off into our own little worlds–I write for long quiet periods, he referees soccer or goes to games with his buddies, I travel with my sis and have women’s writing retreats. I learned long ago that one person can’t fill all of another person’s needs, but we are there for each other when we need to be, and give each other the space we need to fill in the gaps. We share a love of theater, travel, children (and ours in particular), and even with our kids hundreds of miles away, we unwind by playing a game or two of Pandemic–it’s a satisfying feeling, saving the world. We attended our first political rally together this summer–go Bernie! I know I’ve been very fortunate, and I take nothing for granted.
Thanks for writing, Carol.
Love,
n
Happy birthday to your sweetie!
Thank you, Patti! I’ll pass that on to the birthday boy!
Happy Birthday, Thom – man in a million!
Hi Meg,
Thanks for the visit, and for stopping by with your birthday wishes! I’ll tell himself. See you soon!
Love,
n
What a lovely tribute to Thom! You are indeed a fortunate woman.
Thank you, Yvonne! I hope I will be seeing you soon!
Thank you, Yvonne! So good to hear from you–hope you are well!
What a lovely birthday blog, Naomi. Thom is lucky to be your partner-in-life. Happiness always.
Thank you, Richard! Best wishes to you and your clan!
Beautiful!!!!
Thank you, Beth.
Happy Birthday Thom
Thank you, Dallas! I’ll pass that on to the lad!
Happy Birthday to him dear Naomi. Blessing and Happiness to you all, you are a nice family. I loved your photographs, Thank you, love, nia
Thank you, Nia! All the same to you and your dear family! I appreciate your stopping by and sharing your good wishes. Love, Naomi
“What a guy!” *Brooklyn accent ala 1940s Adelaide-type* A fun photo tribute, Naomi. Thanks for sharing him with us!
Thank you for starting my day out smiling, Priscilla! I will pass on your birthday wishes!
You are lucky to have him, but I think he is also lucky to have you! 🙂
Dear Naomi, Thank you so much for that sweet thought! It is wonderful when two people do find a good balance, and even more so when they recognize it. We are lucky ducks, and we both appreciate that. So good to hear from you–I hope you are well!
Happy Birthday , Thom! Great tribute to your guy! 🙂
Thank you, Jill!
That is lovely. You are quite the photographer. I enjoyed this. Happy Birthday to Thom..
Norris Spencer Storyteller
Hi Norris,
So good to hear from you. Thanks for the good wishes and kind words.
What a great tribute. Lucky couple.
Thank you, Lynne!
That is the best love note ever! Even I love the guy and I’ve never even met him! 🙂 Happy Birthday Thom!
Hi Suzanne,
Thanks for stopping by, and for the good wishes. (Made me laugh)! I hope you and the guys are well.
Happy Birthday to Thom! How many times has he been around the Sun?
What a great tribute to your soul mate. The world needs more men like him.
Thank you, Gloria! I’ll pass your good wishes on to him. And thanks for the visit–so good to hear from you. Looking forward to out reunion.
Heart melting. I love that you all have so much fun as a family, and do all kinds of fun things together. It’s clear you all actually enjoy each other, and that you all have a strong sense of playfulness. Both are rare.
Alison
Happy Birthday Thom! A wonderful post for a wonderful man xxxx
Thank you, Dianne!
Lovely post.
Thank you! Your last post was a stitch!
Thanks Naomi, it certainly brought quite a bit of laughter in the house.
Happy Birthday Thom. You sound like the perfect man with a wife who loves you to bits.
Naomi, that is the most wonderful tribute to best friend, soul-mate, lover, and father of your children. Just reading it, makes me go all warm and fuzzy inside.
Dear Sarah,
Thanks so much for your sweet response. It’s a pretty good fit; we are twice blessed. Once because we are and twice because we know it.
🙂
Happy birthday to your Thom, Naomi! So beautiful and emotional this love letter! All my best to all of you and really hope to seeing you sometime! 🙂
Dear Ileana,
Thank you for sharing your sweet wishes and warm response. I hope you are well. I too look forward to meeting you in Romania the next we come.
Marvelous post. But the picture that really got to me, was of the two of you together. Perfect.
Dear Shimon, thank you so much! I hope this finds you well. Happy New Year!
Lovely blog post 🙂
Thanks so much. I just had a wander over to your blog, and it is a lovely site to see!
What a lovely tribute! Happy Birthday, Thom!
Hi Kathy, Thanks for the good wishes–I shall pass them on!
A wonderful set of memories for your best friend Naomi!
Thank you, Meg!
Very sweet tribute to your man.
Thank you, Jo.
What a love letter. So lovely!
Thanks for the visit, and for the very kind response!
So romantic, Naomi. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face!
Dear Jean,
Thanks for the visit, and for taking the time to share a sweet comment. It’s always good to hear from you!
My pleasure, Naomi.
Thank you, Jean!
The best birthday tribute ever!! Happy Birthday to Thom!! He is so loved!
Hi Cybele,
You are a dear! Thanks so much for the good wishes–I will pass them on to Thom.
Warmly,
Naomi
🙂
This is lovely.
Thank you so much for the kind word. I’ve just been over to your blog, and found it truly lovely as well!
How wonderful! Loving. Fun. The bonds keep strengthening. Way to go-go!!
Thanks, Richard! Hope you and yours are all well.
So romantic. You made a good match! Love you both.
Dear Lee,
Mom always said it would take someone with the patience of a kindergarten teacher to manage me (put up with me), and that’s what Thom was doing when we met. I feel so fortunate every day of my life. Thanks so much for stopping by.
We love you too, Big Sis!
n
You just made me tear up. Cheers to birthdays, love, challenges and forevers. xx
Dear Lesley,
Yes, yes, yes! We must celebrate everything we can every chance we get. Today I am thankful to have a blogging friend who took the time to visit and to share your very generous response–I am deeply touched. xoxo,
Naomi