My sweet and beautiful Jessica,
I know you were hoping to get a reply on your birthday this year. However, I had other plans!
So, now you may realize that I wanted more than anything to let you know just how much I love you, on the very day my life turned a corner for the better. That day, was August, 6 2008. We were in Ann Arbor, sitting on the campus of the University of Michigan when I asked you to be mine…
That is a moment in time which I will never forget, and have never regretted even for a moment. Yes, even during our more difficult times, my love for you seems to burn the brightest. The little difficulties in life that we encounter are nothing in comparison when I think of a life that doesn’t have you right by my side. Your love gives me the strength and passionate desire to push through anything. Much as it has been since the day we first committed ourselves to each-other. Truly, in every single way, these have been the best years of my life. I am blessed beyond measure Jess, and it is all because of you!
I’m sure you know by now just how much you have helped me overcome all of the negativity that was in my mind prior to you becoming my partner in this journey. I was disillusioned, largely unhappy, and somewhat adrift. Simply going through “the motions of life”, as it were. Your outlook on life which is full of love, truly was the catalyst to help me see that life is so much more than that which is tangible. Being with you has shown me more than anything, it is the small moments we share together I cherish the most… The wisp of wind in the woods that brings with it the sweet fragrance of mother nature, the glorious sunrises and sunsets that we are always chasing, even the aurora that we are still on an endless pursuit of. Especially, it is those times like when we are laughing at our fur-babies together as they freely romp through the paths of the forest, acting silly. The joys of life that I was so unwilling to see before, are in plain sight now. And, it is all thanks to you! There’s so much more, honestly, and it is difficult to quantify exactly. But, I think you understand.
What I appreciate about having you as my best friend, is how strong you are when I am weak. You always counter my shortcomings with a strength of your own, that you far too often dismiss. Your strength is in your passion, your ability to love, and your ability to forgive. Patience too, is something that anyone living with me needs to have in abundance. And, I thank you for being patient when it is most needed.
Your love though, is what is most preciousss (no… wait… I mean precious) to me. You show it in so many ways, and each and every way brings the light of joy to my life that I have never been able to experience on my own. This feeling, started back the first time we actually told each-other “I love you”. The look of joy on your face was truly mirrored in my own heart. I will never forget that moment either. Even though I don’t show my emotions in the same way as you (I truly admire how openly you can show your emotion, and wish that I could too), know that my heart still leaps with joy when I hear those words in your voice. Even as I write this, I can hear you saying “I love you Jeffy” and it brings a smile to my face like nothing else can.
Somehow, even back when we were just playing World of Warcraft together… I felt you were special. Someone I could relate to, and someone who could understand me. Looking back now, I’m blessed to find out that I was more correct than I could have dreamed. I could never imagine anyone better to spend the rest of my life with. Without you, I am only half of who I am supposed to be. I appreciate and I love you more than words can say! I am so proud of you, and so thankful that you are my wife.
All my love,
Your Jeffy
