Valentines Day
I’ve never really appreciated Valentines Day that much. It’s always seemed so anti-climactic. I mean, you spend all of this money, you make all of these plans and reservations, fighting all these crowds, and you don’t even get the day off! But this year is different. I can’t exactly say why, but it’s special. The day itself has made me almost giddy. I find myself wanting to do more, or say more, or give more to express my love to those around me, especially Jeremy. So here goes, honey. Prepare for Flutter to gush a little.
I love you because you braved traffic yesterday to drive all the way up to Plano to get a thoughtful gift for me. I truly appreciate it. (By the way, Tara Leigh Cobble is going to be the inspiration for the next blog so get ready for it.) I love that you go out of your way to surprise me. I want you to know that after 7 years, the fact that you put up with my selfish, often ridiculous behavior is so surprising. Thank you for surprises. I know I like to control everything and it’s so hard to actually surprise me. But I still love that you find ways to do it.
I love you because you work so hard to support and provide for me and Elijah. I love the way you’ve become a family man, often even against your nature. I know that there are so many times when you wish you could be somewhere else, doing something else, but you’re here with me, or you’re taking care of Eli so that I can be somewhere else, doing something else.
I’m constantly amazed at the Father you are, not the father you have become; because you didn’t become this way, you’ve always been an amazing father. It’s as though it was born in you and you didn’t even realize it was there until Eli came. You have this natural ability to teach him things that I would never even know where to start. You’re the quintessential creative parent. You play fiercely and beautifully with him and you are teaching me to do the same. You are flexible and forgiving, friendly and strong, fun but firm all the same. You know how to distract him when he’s mad, and you know how to soften me when I want to be mad. You are patient and kind, and I love that about you. You will be an awesome example to Elijah to remind him what the Father is like.
I love the way you are maturing, by the way you are taking responsibility for your life, actions and future. I love the changes I’ve seen in you over the last couple of years, and I want you to know that I have noticed. Don’t think that your growth has gone unnoticed. When we married, we really were just kids declaring to the world that we wanted to grow up together. Now I see you growing up, and I can only hope that I’m joining you and reaching your level. I love growing up with you. I know that one day we’ll be past growing up, and then we’ll be growing old. I can’t wait to grow old with you. By the way, I love those precious few gray hairs I see on your head. Please don’t pluck them!
I love the way you make me laugh. There is no person in this world that can make me laugh like you do, and I know that Elijah is following in your footsteps. At this rate, we’ll be the funniest family in America! I love it when you can have me on the floor in stitches without ever having to touch me. You can do it with your words, or with a funny face, or whatever. I love the way you can lighten any moment to turn dark times in to precious memories. I hope you know that in the place of what could have been many dark moments in our marriage, you have given me joy! I love you for that!
I love your amazing capacity for forgiveness. You are constantly teaching me how to forgive by your actions. You are constantly reminding me that there is no good in holding a grudge. You are constantly reminding me that “they probably didn’t mean it the way you are taking it.” You always give people the benefit of the doubt. You are a true friend. You are loyal beyond your own benefits. A friend of yours is a friend for life.
I love that you chose me, that you still think I’m hot, that you still accept me, and that you still love me. My trust for you goes deeper with each passing year, my desire for you is greater with each passing year, and my appreciation for you is lengthier with each passing year. Thank you for passing the years with me.
Happy Valentines Day!
