SHADES OF FABULOUS
My Dearest Love,
Here we are again—you, another year older, a little wiser, and me, still utterly infatuated. Trying to express what you mean to me in words is always like capturing lightning in a bottle—impossible.
This year, I’ve put together a list. It’s a little ridiculous, maybe, but it’s my attempt to comprehend the shades of fabulous that make you, you. As you read through, know my love for you isn’t fleeting. It’s a steadfast commitment, etched in time, that will endure for all eternity.
1. Your Patience: You stand by me even at my worst, like during those tense moments in TTH.
2. Your Endurance: You were my shield when you fiercely defended me during my ICU recovery.
3. Your Nurturing Spirit: You care for Kokko with such love, ensuring he grows up with your values. You greet your bougainvillea plants every morning as if they were your children.
4. Your Humor: Your one-liners and quirky dances, especially when you channel your inner Kuda Mooni, always brighten my day.
5. Your Wisdom: Your insightful advice on my screenplays and life decisions proves you have a PhD in Common Sense. Whenever one of my films comes out, like the recently released “Kamanaa,” the principal cast and crew hold their breath. They await your verdict as if it were the Oscars.
6. Your Resilience: You bounce back faster than a rubber band in a slingshot—always finding your way, no matter the odds.
7. Your Creativity: Whether turning leftovers into gourmet meals or designing stunning visuals with Canva, you’re the Van Gogh of everyday life.
8. Your Compassion: Whether it’s crying over a needy child, caring for my father in his final moments, the tenderness you show towards your own parents, or feeding Tuffin, the stray cat who now trusts you and comes running for his can of tuna—your heart is an endless well of kindness.
Reflecting on these qualities, I am reminded how your unyielding strength keeps us grounded even when the world feels heavy, and your infectious laughter lightens the load effortlessly. And in moments of faltering, your unwavering love lifts me up.
9. Your Intelligence: You navigate life’s complexities with a clarity that amazes me.
10. Your Generosity: Not just in material things but in the time and warmth you give everyone around you.
11. Your Spirit: You live enthusiastically, making our most straightforward adventures feel grand.
12. Your Dedication: You are firm in your dedication to our family, Kokko, and every task you undertake.
13. Your Support: You are my anchor when I’m stressed or down, like during the lockdown.
14. Your Love: Unwavering, unconditional, and the glue that holds us together.
15. Your Leadership: You inspire with grace and determination, whether at work or within our family.
16. Your Playfulness: Even mundane tasks become fun when you’re around, like turning bed-making into a game.
17. Your Courage: From facing weekly fears like CC to pulling us to safety during the Asian Tsunami in Patong, you are a warrior.
You’ve faced every storm with courage that leaves me in awe. I remember that day in Patong when you grabbed my hand and pulled me away from the beach. Your instinct saved us, and in that moment, I realized that you are my home—my safe harbor in every storm.
18. Your Honesty: You’re brutally honest, especially about my questionable fashion choices or half-baked screenplays.
19. Your Faith: Your spiritual strength is a steady beacon in our lives.
20. Your Independence: You stand firm as your own person while still being the center of our world.
21. Your Beauty: Inside and out, you’re so stunning that even the mirror must be your biggest fan. You are always my Jessica and SV’s twin sister.
22. Your Adaptability: You always find a way to thrive no matter the situation.
23. Your Wit: Your quick humor never fails to make me smile.
24. Your Grace: You carry yourself elegantly, even in adversity.
25. Your Cooking: Every dish you prepare is seasoned with love, turning meals into feasts. Does making juice ‘petty’ with a twist count?
26. Your Sense of Style: Everything you touch—fashion, home décor—becomes more beautiful.
27. Your Innovativeness: Projects like Currycrab showcase your ability to dream big and follow through.
28. Your Love for Adventure: Every trip, every new experience with you, is a joy.
Yes, life with you is an adventure. Whether we’re wandering the streets of Bangkok, diving into new ventures, or simply holding hands on a quiet walk, you make every moment unforgettable.
29. Your Dependability: I can count on you, no matter what we face.
30. Your Forgiveness: You forgive and move forward with grace and strength. For example, when I brought home soft-shell crab instead of cut crab, you handled it like a saint who knows her husband’s limits at the seafood counter.
31. Your Warmth: Our home is filled with love because of you.
32. Your Determination: When you set your mind to something, even the universe steps aside. Whether helping your father with his business or bravely pursuing your dreams, you keep trying without fear of failure.
33. Your Sincerity: Everything you do is done with genuine care and authenticity.
34. Your Optimism: You find the silver lining in every situation.
35. Your Strategic Thinking: Your ability to plan ahead keeps us steady.
36. Your Attention to Detail: Whether planning a trip or setting up a surprise, you ensure everything is perfect.
37. Your Calm Under Pressure: In every crisis, you are the steady hand that guides us.
38. Your Empathy: Your deep understanding and care for others, especially in tough times, is unmatched.
39. Your Versatility: You seamlessly handle multiple roles and responsibilities.
40. Your Passion: For life, love, and everything that makes our world as it is.
41. Your Sense of Justice: You always stand up for what’s right.
42. Your Integrity: You never compromise on your values.
43. Your Kindness: The gentle way you treat everyone, including animals and plants.
44. Your Problem-Solving Skills: You navigate life’s challenges with grace.
45. Your Curiosity: Your constant desire to learn keeps life exciting. Whether diving into the secrets of a long and happy life with “Ikigai,” binge-watching documentaries about gut health, or following Dr. Barbara’s advice on Batana oil to “stimulate hair growth,” your mind is constantly exploring new horizons. And while I’m still waiting for that magical forest of hair to sprout on my ever-thinning scalp, I appreciate how you always keep me in the loop—mostly about things I didn’t know I needed to know, including injecting poop! Eww!
46. Your Emotional Intelligence: You understand not only your emotions but those of others, helping navigate complex situations.
47. Your Spontaneity: Your ability to break routines and surprise us with unexpected joy keeps life fresh.
48. Your Creative Chaos: You’ve mastered turning my “neat” wardrobe arrangements back into your own version of perfect chaos.
49. Your Observational Skills: You notice the little things, making those around you feel seen and heard.
50. Your Forever-ness: With you, my love, forever is just the beginning.
Words fail me as I try to capture all that you mean to me. You’re not just my wife; you’re my compass, my sanctuary, and the rhythm that steadies my heartbeat. You’ve brought more joy and warmth into my life than I ever thought possible, standing by me in moments of triumph and holding me closer in times of failure.
If I had to live this life a thousand times over, I’d choose you every single time—even if it meant enduring your fiery lectures about not sitting on the toilet seat for hours or tolerating my constant YouTube marathons. I may not always find the perfect words, but know this: I’ll spend every breath trying, every day showing, and every night dreaming of ways to make you laugh, see you smile, and keep your heart light.
Here’s to you, my incredible, beautiful wife—the woman who turned my life into the most extraordinary screenplay I could have ever written. Without you, I’m just a guy with a laptop, struggling with a terrible first draft. With you, I’ve found the only story worth telling. And yes, I’d lose at Scrabble every time just to see you smile, because your happiness is the only prize I ever want to win.
Happy Birthday, my love.
Forever yours,
Your Hopelessly Devoted Husband
Mahdi Ahmed 
One Response to “SHADES OF FABULOUS”
Thank You Bebbe for noticing these details in me.. Thank you for holding my hand firmly and trusting me in this journey. You are my safe place, my home ❤