Dear Jeff,
Happy birthday! We have been together for nine of your birthdays now, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Truly, being with you has changed my life in multitudes of different ways. Of course, you know that already, or at least you should, with as often as I think I tell you. Haha! But, for your birthday today, I wanted to do something a little different, while also showing the world a glimpse into our personal love life.
You see, I’ve always been a hopeless romantic. I’ve always thought that people screaming to the rest of the world about their love for their soul mate was one of the most romantic things a person can do. And while I’ve always dreamed of such an event happening to me, I figured it would be cool, if I were the one doing the screaming too. So, here I am, writing you an open love letter for your birthday, for the whole world to see.
Am I nervous? A little bit. Am I excited? Definitely. Would I do this again? I think so! Will you like this? That has yet to be seen. But, I truly hope you do. Because you truly are my everything. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have found my love for photography again. And that, would have been terrible. I know you can say the same for me, and I agree, we are so perfect for each other, and things always seem to fall into place when I’m with you. So, I’m happy that we compliment each other so well, both in how we see the world, and yet, also how the world is so enhanced with you being a part of it. <3
So, it’s your birthday. Congratulations Jeff! You are now forty-three years old. I know some people would think that that is an old age, but I still think that it’s quite young. (Even if I may call you my old man, practically every other day, but that’s a different story. Hehe.) We met (in person), almost ten years ago, on my own birthday And, on Sunday, we will have been married for six of those precious and amazing years. I honestly cannot believe how events turned out, and how they have fallen in place for us throughout these past ten years.
Sure, we have been through some rough times as of late, with the world seemingly against us, but we have also been through some truly momentous occasions. From literally climbing mountains to find hidden lakes, to trudging through the most beautiful snow I have ever seen just to see some frozen waterfalls, to witnessing love like ours blossom into a new family and new life, ready to take on the world… We have seen quite a bit in our time together, and I honestly would not change a moment of it.
I love our little hikes through the woods, whenever we travel up north. I love our little tickle fights that always gets the dogs to bark at us like crazy. I love the silly accents you do that make me laugh uncontrollably. I love how you cook the most amazing and delicious meals for us, even when I’m at my worst. I love how you look at me, with your handsome gaze, especially when you think I didn’t notice, or I’m not paying attention. I love everything about you, my darling Jeff.
We may not be high school sweethearts… we may not be the most beautiful or overly romantic couple in this world, but that doesn’t matter to me. What matters to me is your seeing you smile everyday, when you wake up, and you look over to me, asking how I slept the night prior. What matters to me is seeing little moments of pure joy overtake you, as they did at the first sunrise we witnessed together over Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains. (That was the first time I truly witnessed you literally jumping for joy, and I will never forget that moment.) I am overjoyed by all of the tiny things you do for me, and for us. You truly are amazing.
I love that you haven’t given up at times where I expected any other person to have done so in a flash. You impress me. You amaze me. You inspire me. You have earned my trust, my admiration, and my entire heart. Never forget this Jeff, as we go through this adventure called life. Without you, I would be lost, and I wouldn’t want to be found, I don’t think. I always tell everyone that I’ve been spoiled after all. 😉
But in all seriousness, I love you more than I’ve loved anyone or anything in life. You are my partner in all things. First you were my raiding partner in World of Warcraft. And then you became my 2v2 partner in the same game. After that, we became boyfriend and girlfriend in real life. (And trust me, I love that you officially asked me to be your girlfriend!! <3) After a few more years, we became husband and wife, and then started this amazing and life-changing photography business! And now, here were are, almost 10 full years later, full of love for one another, celebrating your birthday.
Well, Jeff, I could go on forever, but I think you and the rest of the world wouldn’t like that too much, so I will end it here.
Happy Birthday Jeff. I love you more than anything. Let’s make today a day to remember, shall we?
Love always and forever,
Jess
