Need 1st "birthday" ideas....

[Jax172]

So on 8/28 it will be my husband's first birthday. That is to say his first anniversary of his bone marrow transplant. It is a huge deal, but what do I get him? I want to commemorate it in some way. It has been a really long 4.5 years of sickness and hospitals and bad stuff and I want to celebrate this positive event. I'm kind of at a lose though, as the normal "fun" presents seem to not really express the importance of this achievement. Any thoughts??

 

[tyty333]

Can you do a fun weekend get away (if your DH likes to vacay)? Making some fun memories would be a nice gift.

 

[TravelingGal]

Congratulations, that is wonderful!

I agree on the getaway if you think he likes that kind of stuff. Any cool "guy" event he's always wanted to go to? A wonderful dinner, and maybe a handwritten letter on beautiful stationary (because really, who handwrites things anymore?) telling him how much he means to you and how much you love him. A gift basket of all the little things he loves to eat and drink. And one big gift for fun...because every man is a kid at heart - (new TV, gaming console, ipad, mp3 player, tech gadget) and since it's his "1st" bday, a fun "toy" would be appropriate!

Have a wonderful 1st birthday with him!

 

[starryeyed]

Congratulations!!

I agree with TravelingGal. I would put your sentiments in writing - think very carefully about all the reasons why you love your husband, even the smallest things he does. If it's true, which I imagine it is, tell him how he makes you feel complete. Think about the things you would miss if he weren't around and tell him how much you appreciate those things. Those feelings are more meaningful than anything you can buy.

If you want to give him a something, maybe something you can share together, like a weekend away or a couples massage (if he likes that - some men hate it) or a fishing charter or a glider ride, etc.

If you want to give him bling, maybe a watch and say something about the "time" you spent together.

 

[dragonfly411]

Congrats on this achievment.

Where are you located? The first thing I thought of was parasailing.... it will be something you could do together, it will be something to create a new memory, and it can symbolize a liberation. It's a way to release the past, embrace the future, and enjoy "freedom".

Similar would be bunjee jumping, kayaking, or anything adventurous.

 

[sparklyheart]

My dad received a liver transplant a couple years ago and for his 1 year birthday we did dinner and gave him sweet cards. He normally loves getting "stuff" but his transplant gave him a chance to stay around with his family which means more than anything we could have bought. You're right, it's different than a normal birthday or any other occassion.. Congrats to him on making it to 1 year!! Here's to many many more!

 

[Jax172]

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions everyone. There will definately be some kind of card/letter. And he's already mentioned he wants to spend the day at Great America so we'll be doing that with our 5 year old son. I already "gave" him a TV for his real birthday (he still needs to decide on which one he wants). Last thing missing is some kind of lasting token. I like the watch idea but he already has an IWC watch (it was his wedding present) so I'll need to think of something else.

Hmmmmmmm........

 

[Jax172]

Decided on something! Having Daniel M from Etsy make a Neutrophil (type of blood cell that fights bacteria.) pendant in silver. Having the back engraved with: This is the start... of our wonderful journey. It's a reference to our wedding song. And the date of his transplant.

What do you think?

 

[tyty333]

Great idea! Can we see it when its done? I'm glad your DH is doing well.

 

[oranges]

aw i think that is a terrific idea!!!!! My idea isn't sentimental, but I was thinking that if you are baking a cake, maybe a gigantic cupcake would be nice--michael's sells a mold for like 30 dollars and the cake turns out beautiful, and it is a ton of fun to decorate. My mom bought it for my 20th birthday and it was really special and I loved it!