Today is Steve's 77th birthday, and neither of us can believe it!! First of all, we're amazed at how blessed we are, and second, we marvel at how much has happened since we met when he was only 22. He's a Low Maintenance Guy to the nth degree, so there will be no elaborate celebration. I'm sure his kids will call, and I'll fix his faves for supper (salmon and blackberry cobbler). But I can't let the occasion pass without expressing my deep love and admiration for this man God chose for me. I'm sure I could come up with 77 things that are special about Steve, but allow me to share my Top Seven.
1) Steve is handsome, fit, and healthy.
I was struck by his smile and how good-looking he is the moment I met him, and those features (in my eyes) haven't changed. Steve keeps an eye on the scales and is extremely self-disciplined if he goes up a pound or two. You should see his bloodwork report and his blood pressure numbers. Doctors and nurse practitioners are always impressed. Perfect in every category -- what a blessing! He is still a practicing veterinarian and is exceptional at diagnosing problems, performing surgeries, and relating to clients.
2) Steve loves God and is a dedicated Bible student.
If you want to find him early every morning, peek in his study, and you'll see him hunched over his Bible. Those of us in his Sunday School class at First Baptist in Decatur reap the benefits as he teaches us each week. His consistent prayer time always precedes the Bible study.
3) Steve is financially careful and conservative.
On any given day, he knows how much we've spent and how much we have. No dollar is ever spent without careful consideration. If he had his way, the lion's share of the money he's made throughout his life would be safely tucked away in savings drawing interest (after tithing, of course). But instead, he married me—poor guy.
4) Steve loves to sweat.
I reap the benefit of that with a beautiful, well-kept yard. Any activity outdoors or a day spent in the sunshine makes him happy, happy, happy. His father taught him how to fish when he was very young, and he's still drawn to the Tennessee River whenever he gets the chance. He invested in a good bicycle not long ago, so the neighbors can see him whizzing by (helmet securely on) several times a week.
5) Steve will eat anything.
He's the least picky eater I've ever encountered. He's so good at indulging my desire to try new restaurants, but his favorite place to eat is at home. That means a lot of cooking on my part, but he makes it a pleasure because he's happy for me to experiment with new recipes. He's also good about eating leftovers.
6) Steve's words are 100% trustworthy, and his promises are solid.
I have never known Steve to lie about ANYTHING. He's a man of few words -- well, with the possible exception of during an Auburn football game. :) What he DOES say is worth hearing.
Also, if he makes a promise or commits to something, you can be sure he'll fulfill it. That makes him an especially good committee member, board member, or deacon.
7) Steve treasures his family.
Steve loves me. I've never doubted that for a second of our 53+ years together. He is so very proud of our three children, their spouses, our sixteen grandchildren, and our great-grandson.
They know him to be a consistent role model. He is generous with all of them with his prayers, his time, and his resources. He knows how to make each of them feel special. He loves all of us with his whole heart.
On our 53rd anniversary.
Our 3 children -- Laura, Matt, and Julie. Each of them has so many of his admirable traits. They are what he considers the reason God put him on earth.
Steve holding our 16th grandchild, baby John Mark born August 5, 2024.
Here are some fun facts about my Silver Fox:
a) He turned 16 the day after John F. Kennedy was assassinated. All government offices closed for several days, which meant he couldn't get his driver's license on his birthday. Bummer. Occasionally, his birthday falls on Thanksgiving Day. Those who know him know this is very appropriate because he makes us all very thankful.
b) Steve was accepted to vet school at Auburn the first time he applied and after only two years of pre-vet--- which is practically a miracle. We recognize it, however, as a clear example of God's timing in his life.
c) Steve was ordained as a deacon when he was 24 years old and has been a deacon in four different churches.
d) Steve regularly puts kale in his smoothies but recently had to avoid kale while he took a particular medicine for a few weeks. When he saw his doctor for a follow-up, he asked, "Is it okay if I go back to eating kale?" The doctor said, "You are the first patient I've ever had who asked for permission to eat kale." :) :) See? I told you he was healthy. :)
Can you tell I could go on and on? Steve Pearson is likeable, admirable, funny, quirky, affectionate, kind, etc. etc. I don't know how many more years he'll be on this earth, but I vow to value every one of them.
Steve's life is a gift to those of us who know him. James 1:17 -- "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."
I believe Steve pleases God. Ecclesiastes 2:26a -- "God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness to those who please Him. . . ."
I love you, hon. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
What an awesome husband you have and what a sweet, sweet tribute to him. Happy birthday to your Silver Fox, Steve!! And congrats for your many years of loving each other!!♥️♥️