To me, one of the most remarkable things about you is the strength of your heart. Even when faced with the kind of challenges at work, at home, or even within yourself, that could make others withdraw, you consistently choose to remain open to love and to care deeply for those around you. You genuinely radiate warmth and kindness, and that's what initially drew me in. Finding a partner who leads with such heart, and shares my core values, feels like a true gift. I deeply appreciate the way we support each other, the openness we have in both giving and receiving. It creates such a beautiful and balanced dynamic in our relationship, a space of shared vulnerability and strength that I cherish.

I love your sense of humor – you're the only one who gives me those real, deep belly laughs. Your impersonations, especially that "Benjamiiiiin" (ugh, it's too good!), are both insane and spot-on hilarious. Thanks for letting me be my nerdy self. They say timing is everything in comedy, and you nail it every time, in every sense of the word! Jill's right, your impersonation skills are unreal. But it’s the combination of your curiosity, understanding, and sense of humor that makes everyone feel so comfortable and at ease around you. You literally can talk to anyone about anything.

Beyond your infectious laughter, you have a brilliant mind. Your curiosity and drive have taken you all over the world, and you've embraced every experience with open arms. I remember Shannon telling the story about how fearless you were, driving on the Autobahn in Germany during a snowstorm - I mean, who does that?! Folks in DC want to flex with BMWs but HAVE THEY DRIVEN ON THE AUTOBAHN?! Lol But that's you, always up for an adventure, always ready to push your limits. And every experience, whether it's living abroad, traveling to new places, or just diving deep into a good book, adds another layer to your already fascinating personality. I learn so much from you just by listening to you talk about your life and your thoughts on the world. You have this unique way of looking at things and solving problems, and I always value your perspective.

And let's not forget your incredible sense of style! Seriously, you have amazing taste. Whether it's clothes, interior design, or anything else, you just know how to make things look classy and great. You inspire me to work on my own style, and I love watching you transform spaces with your creative touch.

But what really sets you apart is your incredible self-awareness. You have a deep understanding of your own thoughts and feelings, and you're not afraid to explore the "why" behind them. You're incredibly perceptive about other people too. You seem to just get why people think and feel the way they do, which is such a valuable gift. Your sister Tiffany said it best: "You are always heard when you speak to Channy. She's going to make it a point to make sure that she does two things every single time that she listens to you. She always validates you. And she's definitely going to listen."

You're also one of the hardest working people I know. You put your all into everything you do, whether it's your career, your relationships, or even just taking care of yourself. But here's the thing - you also know how to have fun and relax. You've figured out that balance between working hard and enjoying life, which is something a lot of people never manage to do.Your mom talked about how resilient you were as a kid, moving every few years and always adapting to new situations.

Jill mentioned something that really resonated with me. She talked about how you and your friends always encourage each other but also remind each other to stay true to yourselves.

It's clear that you create a safe and supportive space for the people you love, and that's a beautiful thing. Your dad, Terry, described you perfectly:

You have this incredible drive and determination that has helped you achieve so much.

Kent talked about how thoughtful you are, and how you always make him feel special.

You have a gift for making people feel seen and loved, and it's something I experience every day.

Chantal, as you start this next year, remember everything that makes you so amazing. You are strong, resilient, funny, intelligent, thoughtful, and full of love. Never let anyone dim your light, because it shines so brightly on all of us.

Happy birthday. Here's to another year of joy, laughter, and all the wonderful things that make you, you.

Love always,

Ben