You

You have no idea what you’ve done to me.  You’ve ruined me for anyone else.  You’ve charted a course for me that will always lead back to you.  No matter how far away I sail, no matter how many other shores I land on, my winds will always carry me back to you.  You make me laugh.  When I have no idea what I’m going to do about this thing or that, and I’m about to break, you hold me.  You fill my thoughts.  When I’m just sitting around, thinking about all the things I’m supposed to be doing, but it’s midnight, and I’ll wake someone up if I do any of them… I’m thinking about you.  And your strong arms, and your big heart, and your sexy legs.  That’s what I’m doing at midnight in my recliner.  If I haven’t already accidentally fallen asleep.

You make it possible for me to do what I love to do, even when it might not be what other people would do.  You support me when my dreams are a little sideways, and most times, you’re the one who helps me see them through.  I could not have answered the call on my life to help young people, had it not been for your support and encouragement, your belief in me, and your line drawing.  Speaking of line drawing… what good would I be without that.  From reminding me to go to bed, to telling me when I’ve had enough physically, you are always there, waiting to help me say “no” to things that are not as important as I think they are.

You have been my rock when my world was soft.  And you have been my shoulder when the road got rough.  I’ve always wondered why you would stick around a girl like me, and all I could ever say was that you were either stupid or stubborn.  But the truth is that you’re amazing.  You’re true.  You’re loyal.  You’re something most people don’t know in this world, because this big old world is full of humans.  And we’re selfish critters.   But you’re not.  Oh sure, you like things a certain way, and I know you’ll never take me to the opera or ballet… but when it comes to the real stuff… the good stuff… you are the most selfless person I know.

You are an awesome daddy, and my daughter is the princess I always hoped for.  You made it possible for her to have a good life.  A life full of love and hugs and “I love you”s and monster high sheets and barbie dolls and bicycles and swimming.  You open your arms for her to climb into and feel safe.  You use your wit wisdom to weed through her dramatic acting and see right to her core.  You are the first love she will ever have.  Our son has a fantastic role model, who will teach him about football and hunting, persistence and patience.  I know you’ll be an amazing teacher for him, because you already are!

When I think about love, about what I thought about love, when I think about how I intend to explain love to my children, I think about all that you are, all that you do, and all that you will ever be.  And that is, without a doubt, one of the biggest reasons that I’m so blessed to have you as my husband.  You have given me the best memories in my life, the best of times, the purpose behind every step I make, the laughter in my days, the reason for my swoon, the rest in my nights… you have given me everything I need.

There is an imprint on this world because of the man you are.  Because of the love you have given to me and our children.  Who you are is a gift to this world, to my world.  I’m so grateful that you made a way for us, that you never quit, and that you chose me.  I’m so blessed.  Thanks for ruining me!