Dear Love #1

Dear Love #1,

This summer makes 11 years since I laid eyes on you and instantly fell in love. So much has changed...We've done most of the changes side by side, and I am so thankful. You have proven yourself over and over that you are a man of honor, and I am so proud to be your wife.

You have worked so hard. The first few years of our marriage were scary because you had a job change and had to start from the bottom. It thrills me to see how far you've come, not only in the amount of income you bring in (thank the LORD it is more than 25 dollars a day!), but in the way you handle yourself, in the way you set goals and reach them. I'm sorry for all the times I didn't encourage you to dream big. I am so proud of you! I am also so proud of your genuine care for your clients. I've seen you give up commissions in the better interest of a sick client, clients going through divorce, etc. God has blessed you because you honor him and because you are honest.

I love the home we've made together. I love that we are on the same page when it comes to opening our home to people. I cannot imagine being married to someone who never wanted guests and who was more concerned about a "perfect" home than hospitality.

I love the father you. Sigh. It melts my soul. I wasn't sure at first, how you would be with fatherhood, but you smashed all my worries in the first moments of Barclay's life. You have embraced it and I love it so much. I'm so thankful you play with Barclay every day after work and I am so thankful that it isn't a task, but a joy.

I'm so thankful for the way you challenge me every day to set goals and strive to be better in all areas. Although it is exhausting, your motivation and zest for life is so refreshing!

I'm so grateful for your encouragement in the Lord. Every time I've found myself with doubts, you have so strongly pointed me to Christ.

Thank you for your love and encouragement even though I am a handful sometimes, emotionally. Thank you for your sweet head rubs and hugs throughout the day. Thank you for not giving up on me, even when I give up on myself.

A month ago, we celebrated 6 wonderful years together. In those six years: I've graduated from college, we've gotten pregnant three times, we've birthed two beautiful sons, we've mourned two little lives, we buried three grandparents and many friends, we've dealt with sickness and a lot of family issues. Even though these things were hard, you were by me and I by you and that has made things so much less traumatic.

I have loved growing with you, Noah George. You are my love.

Helen Joy