Happy Birthday, Shem!

Shem Foster Henrichsen was born 11 years ago today in Syracuse, NY.

Shem is a unique kid. He likes it that way. He wears an Obama t-shirt to school to show his pride. He knows few others like Obama at his school. This fact only encourages him. It is the same reason he wore University of Utah clothes to the University of Wyoming football camp (though he ended the day in tears).

He loves baseball, football, and his family.

Shem is a big guy. He is big and strong. He is my gentle giant.

He is amazing when it comes to dealing with his 7 year old sister. When she is an emotional mess, it is time for Shem to “work his magic.” Sometimes when having a breakdown…she will ask for him.

On one very cold winter day last school year, Shem walked in from school without his coat. As I was about to ask him why he wasn’t wearing his coat on the walk home from the bus…I saw his sister behind him. She was wearing his coat over hers. Shem had placed his coat over her and her coat because it was so cold. He walked without.

Shem also loves babies. He reacts to seeing a baby the way that he would react if he saw his hero Bryce Harper.

During the campaign, Shem traveled with me to many far off locations throughout Wyoming. He was the perfect wingman. It helped that he is my ultimate defender and supporter. He would listen to what people said about me and then give me feedback on the drive home.

When I got trounced on election day, nobody was surprised…except Shem. He believed in me that much. He was crushed.

Shem and I have bonded over sports. We love talking about the Baltimore Orioles. Today, we are twinners (though he emphasized to me that I should

clarify that being a twinner has nothing to do with the Minnesota twins…these things are important).

Share your birthday wishes for Shem below. He would love to read them.