I Want You To Know

I can tell you right now that you are going to be embarrassed when you read this blog.  However, it's important to me that I share my feelings, that I share my life and that I share my love for you.  Today is our 38th wedding anniversary.  I am so proud of that fact.  38 years, no regrets, no separations, and no talk of divorce.  38 years of living with the same man--the good (most all good), the bad and the happy and the sad.  38 years of--of what exactly?  Should I tell the truth though?  Should I spill the beans?  Should I water it down a little or just be plain truthful and honest?  It would go completely against my personality and character to be anything but honest.  So, I will let others (those who read my blog) in on a little secret.

You are the most awesome person I know--yes, you are.  You are honest and funny, generous and sweet, you are tender-hearted and strong all at the same time.  I can truly say--I have been blessed beyond measure.  I married the man that other women only dream about.  And even after 38 years of marriage I still get excited when you walk through the door in the evenings.  And even after 38 years of marriage, I would rather be with you than any other person on this earth.

I know that some people might have their doubts.  Some might not believe me, and that's OK, because the people who know us well, really know us--they know that I'm telling the truth.  Think about it for just a minute--when have you ever been able to hide anything from your children?  They see it all, they've experienced life with us as parents and know us very well.  And our children will be the first to say--my mom doesn't lie, she speaks the truth.  My dad really is like that, he is truly a great man of God.  So, it's important for me to share how I feel about you as a person because that's how I really see you--as a man who loves God, who prays, who cares for others, who has a heart for the poor, and who gives generously.  You are a man whom I respect, and you are a man whom I trust with my life.

I want my grandchildren to know you and to see what I see in you.  I want them to understand that yes, people can and do fall deeply in love and stay together through it all.  I want them to see that people can and do respect each other and that they don't cheat or lie or leave.  That they stay because they are honorable.  That they stay because they are committed--not only to their wives but to their God.  That they make a covenant on their wedding day--a vow, one that cannot, one that should not ever be broken.  And I want them to see--that is who their grandfather is--he is a man of honor.

Like I said--I know that this is going to really embarrass you.  You have often warned me not to brag too much about you or about our relationship.  You worry that out of jealousy others will say mean or hurtful things to or about me.  And I understand that but this is a very special day.  Today we are celebrating 38 years of marriage.  And to me, that is quite an accomplishment.  However, just to appease you, I'll be even a little bit more honest.  You see, years ago when we were first starting out there were times that were very hard.  It seems that with common life struggles came sometimes that put pressure on us as a couple.  For example; just having children, dealing with illnesses, struggling with finances, paying for private schooling, teenagers, college tuitions, weddings, buying houses, moving across the nation--just to name a few--those were some major stressors.  And yes, sometimes we did argue, we did butt heads, we did get frustrated with life.   But, we always had each other to lean on, to talk things out with, to run things by, to pray with--we always had each other.  We didn't have to go it alone.  And for that, I am very thankful.

Today I want to let you know that you've never let me down.  And that I love you more than my own life.  I thank God every day that you married me and that you wanted me and that you love me.  I want you to know that I am looking forward to another 38 years with you--or more!  Today I want to let you know that I have never ever met or even heard of another man who has been a better husband or father than you.  I have never ever met another man who has been a better friend or confidant.  Today I want to say thank you--for being my closest friend and for loving me.

Happy 38th-anniversary babe--I love you with my whole heart.