9.15.2010

andrew henry's birthday...

Today is my sweet husband's birthday. I was a bit puzzled as to what to do. Leave it out of blog world? Casually mention it and put a funny childhood photo? Blah blah blah. I decided to do a re-post of something I wrote back in March about how Andrew Henry (not my husband's real name) got his name because it just seemed right. If you've read it before - forgive, if not, hope you enjoy...

I've been asked more than a few times now about why I call my husband Andrew Henry. Here's the story - literally.

I'm a reader. Love books. Haven't always been this way. I was read to as a child and enjoyed it. Loved those Miss Piggle Wiggle books (anyone?). I didn't really read much by myself and by the time I got into Junior High, I was out completely. Other than required reading, I read maybe 2 books in all of high school. Sad, but true.

I probably got back into reading when my daughter was little. The girl is a bibliophile of the likes I've never known. I'm sure there are people who have read more books than she, but I've never met them. There are a few books from my childhood I do remember loving and this gem was one of them (obviously because I still have it).

Andrew Henry was a boy who liked to build things. He went to the woods and built himself a playhouse of sorts. Other children began to wander out to the meadow and he built them their own playhouse as well. Each one suited to the child's interests. I SO wanted him to build me my own playhouse. I really, really wanted to climb inside this book. I loved Andrew Henry. I wanted to marry Andrew Henry.



I had forgotten about this book until a few years ago. We bought a "tear down" house and started a remodel. My husband did a huge amount of the work himself. He slaved on this house after work and on weekends for 5 years. We lived out of boxes and while looking through one of them I came across my old friend, Andrew Henry. I opened it up, saw this, and EUREKA!

It came back to me in a flash. A memory I had tucked away somewhere and completely forgotten about (it's pretty messy up there folks). There he was. The boy I so loved. Standing ready with saw in hand. Waiting to build me my castle. A feeling came over me, seriously, like I was so overcome with emotion, I got teary. I DID marry Andrew Henry. Let me tell you people - this looks like my husband. From that moment on, we have called him Andrew Henry. That IS my husband - and in a way, THIS is me. This is who I wanted to be when I first read the book.


My Andrew Henry built me more than a playhouse. My Andrew Henry built me more than a castle. My Andrew Henry built me a home. I felt like I made it happen. My 8 year old self hugged that book and wished for that boy and one day, many moons later, he knocked on my door. I put it out into the universe about a million years ago and it came to me. I believe we all have that power people. Put it out there for yourself. Tell God, or the Universe, or the Trees, whatever it is you believe in, whisper in it's ear.

Side note: I have since framed these two images and they hang in my kitchen as a reminder to ask for what I want in life and in some way, it will come me.

Happy Birthday Baby!

22 comments:

sarah said...

ok that just made me cry! so very sweet thanks for sharing! happy birthday AH!

Andrew H. said...

Thank you to all for all of the well wishes. Unfortunately, I didn't get a change to read them first hand. Andrew Henry's wife accidentally deleted all of them... :-o

Happy birthday to me!

Anonymous said...

oh how awesome of a post was that! And happy birthday Andrew Henry!!

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Oh what sweet post, Jeanette. Have a happy happy day! Happy birthday to your beloved husband! xxxx

Kelly Loy Gilbert said...

That's so sweet. I love love love the idea of hanging it in your home to remind you! That would make me smile every time I saw it.

what are you guys doing for his birthday? My J's birthday is coming up this month and I'm always totally at a loss.

Diana Mieczan said...

Awww....that is such a beautiful post....Happy Birthday Andrew Henry....

Kisses, my dear

Ps: I am hosting a sweet jewelry GIVEAWAY today :) Hope you will join in!!!

OneCraftyFox said...

What an amazing little story!! Happy birthday to your Andrew Henry :)

Tess Kincaid said...

This is the sweetest birthday post ever. Happy Birthday Andrew Henry!!!

bronwyn said...

I'm all teary eyed sitting at my desk at work. That was really beautiful. I want that book now. Happy birthday Andrew Henry! Today is my grandmather's birthday. She would have been 97. Today is a very good day.

jeanette from everton terrace said...

It is a fun book Bronwyn. If I hadn't accidentally deleted all the comments this morning you'd know that my cousin bought the book off Ebay after the first post and her son loves it. Not sophisticated, just endearing - like my husband. I love that it would have been your grandmother's 97th. A good day indeed.

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

Great post! I love this story and it is SO true- that if you put it out into the universe it's yours-

I am living the exact life I have always wanted.

I love that you call your husband AH but I'm still liking Mr. ET!

Happy Birthday.

Jillian said...

Awwwww this is one of my favorite posts of all time. Happy Birthday. I love the story behind his name!!!

KR said...

Oh!no! you deleted the earlier posts! In that case I shall repeat...Happy Birthday AH. You are both blessed!

Beatnheart said...

Happy Birthday fellow Virgo Andrew Henry. We love ya
cause you keep your old lady happy and that makes us happy. Hope youse guys are having a fabulous dinner somewhere. Must be getting cooler there now eh?? Oh Jeanette, I love, love, love your wedding ring...the dude’s got taste and is romantic...cool.

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Thanks Cynthia, nice to "see" you again. I think we both got some pretty nice hubbies!

Welcome! said...

hi hi! I just stumbled upon your sweet little blog today and couldn't help but hit the follow button! I look forward to following your adventures in the future! xo kate

MaiPie said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Brandywine said...

It's one of my all time favorites stories.

Happy Birthday AH!

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Welcome Kate! - so happy to have you here.

MaiPie - the McCabes are missing you too!

Brandywine - Thanks from AH!

Stacey said...

Awww, such a heartwarming post! Thanks for sharing it and Happy Birthday to your deat hubby/aka-Andrew Henry:-). XX

essbesee said...

We have this one (it used to mine as a kid) and I loooooooove that book so much. Happy Birthday to your Andrew Henry. Wonderful, wonderful post!

La Dolfina said...

Oh my God, how did I miss this post?! It must have been because I was distracted by my own birthday also on Sept. 15th, but I digress...
This is the most touching story. I so believe in the same thing Jeanette, that if you put it out there, God or the universe, whatever you choose to call it, will bring it to you!! I was just reading your current post on your kitchen remodel and had all kinds of questions and then clicked back here where it all makes perfect sense. But I still have one more question and that is why you call it The Pagoda? I'm sure you've addressed that before too!
I knew I loved you before but now after reading this... well I totally believe we are kindred spirits. God made Andrew Henry for you and you for him and he brought you together and you've finally connected the dots!!! How life affirming is that. Can you tell how much I love this story you shared with us. Oh and the story of the little boy... another incredible moment in your life that you realized it's profoundness. Thank you for sharing these gifts with us!!!