Life is like a box of... crayons?

As horrible as cancer was, my life is profoundly better having been stricken.

Cancer allows me to live my life more freely - as facing death often does. The person I was before my Hodgkin's diagnosis is long gone... and I am glad.

A pre-Hodgkin's Matt would not have been able to open himself up to serious relationships and would not have been able to let go of the little things.

And although I still hold on too long to some of the less meaningless things that occur in every day life, I am happily married - pretty much the most serious relationship one can have!

Today is my wife Sheryl's birthday. If you pay any attention to this blog at all, you know that Sheryl is an angel.

Sheryl rescued me from one of the lowest points of my life by simply loving me.

And fortunately, I was able to love her back.

Although we're still newlyweds, I can see Sheryl and I becoming one of those aging, loving couples who - above anything else - enjoy being in each others' company.

Granted, I fear for our longevity, seeing as that we both need to take our health more seriously, but I want the time we spend together to be fresh and exciting.

One of the reasons I love riding my bike so much is because every ride - no matter how familiar it is, or how often you ride the same path - is different.

And that is how I want my life with Sheryl to be.

I never knew I could love someone as much as I do Sheryl. I never knew someone could make my life so rich. I never knew that I would be able to share so many good blessings in my life with the same person.

Many people think about birthdays in a bad light. I used to be one of them. At the age of 28, I felt like I never accomplished what I should have accomplished in life. It really depressed me.

Now, at 41, I still don't feel like I've accomplished what I was supposed to, but I know that I'm getting closer. Instead of being depressed, I am hopeful.

Because of Sheryl's job, and because of our relationship, and because of the curveballs in life that I've dealt with, Sheryl and I both understand that we are lucky to celebrate each day - but moreso birthdays.

We don't celebrate Hallmark holidays - Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, Love Your Partner's Genitals Day, whatever. I believe that people in my life must know how I feel about them - all of the time.

But ever since I was a little boy, birthdays were always special. As such, I will try to make sure that Sheryl remembers every birthday she had while I was in her life.

Baby, I love you with all of my heart. You have brought my 8 color Crayola life into the world of the 150 count telescoping crayon tower. I am so grateful to have you as my wife.

Happy birthday. I hope we celebrate many happy healthy birthdays in the future!