After the Operation 1984

I want to say to my daughters, as they get a little older and began to form serious relationships, that these are the things that you need to look for in a partner:  He needs to be kind, very kind, and he needs to always put your needs ahead of his.  He should be a good person.  He needs to be funny, and quirky, and to also have something about him that is mysterious to you, that you will never really understand, so that you won't get bored or complacent as the relationship matures. He should be able to do a good job of caring for you and the children that you will (hopefully) have.  And lastly, he should have a goofy side so that you can have fun together, especially when you don't expect it.

I found this picture of my husband Bob, and I realized that this portrait captured all of those things that I would hope my daughters would find in their life partners.  His giant 80's glasses, the stethoscope that doesn't really work in the normal way, the mask and cap which keep all germs from the little snake that he has just operated on, being held so carefully and lovingly in his odd, plaid hands.