The Birthday Girl

My wife Kim has a birthday tomorrow, and once again -- as is the case the case every year -- the fireworks will all be for her. Shhh, don't tell her anything otherwise.

Kim is without a doubt the most passionate person I know. She has a passion for people, which is why she has 14,312 best friends. She has a passion for a good party, laugh-filled lunches, a tasty margarita, a 50% discount, a moonlit night and an upbeat song on the radio. She loves sunsets on the beach, long walks on the beach, and beautiful houses with spectacular views ... from the beach. Yeah, guess where we go on vacations.

But Kim has a passion for one thing above all of those things, bar none. She has a passion for her family. While she loves a good conversation about decorating techniques and Adele songs, her face lights up when the talk turns to her family, which is featured in this 2003 photograph taken at Dana Point Harbor, California. Kim loved her mom and still feels her presence every day. She cherishes the love and history she has with her two sisters and her brother. And she loves all of the kids, especially the two of her own.

Above all else, her family has made Kim the person she is today.

So when all the goodness in life is celebrated, that's the one thing she celebrates above everything else.So tonight I offer a toast -- to families and the memories they provide.

And I offer a toast to Kim. Happy Birthday, babe.