On January 12, 1976, the Lord blessed two parents with a beautiful, brown haired, blueish-green eyed little girl. You would, after waiting for me to grow up a bit, become my bride. From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you would be my wife. No joke – ask anyone involved in the process. The morning after our first date, I made a phone call and told someone that I had met the girl I would marry. Ten years after our first date and nine years marriage later, I can’t say that it has been easy. I can’t say that we have done everything right, made nothing but positive choices, raised our daughter without any mistakes, or never gone to bed angry. I can’t say that I have always been a good steward of the precious gift of marriage that has been afforded to me. I have made mistakes, raised my voice, been discouraging, and have not been supportive.
What I can say, however, is that I would without hesitation take your hand in mine and ask you to be my bride again. I would without question stand at the end of that aisle again, waiting to be your husband. I would endure the hardships – the many moves, the sicknesses, the arguments, and everything else we’ve been through together – all over again in order to have you by my side. You, my love, are worth it. You ground me, encourage me, love me, and laugh with – and at – me. I have watched you develop a relationship with our daughter that is rich with love, laughter, and creativity. The way she looks at you, longs for you, and seeks you out brings such joy to this daddy’s heart. I love you so very much.
Thank you for overlooking my flaws, imperfections, and sinful heart to see a man with whom you desire to build a life. Thank you for being patient with me even when I am impatient. Thank you for being a fighter, for not giving up, and for not allowing failure to be an option. I love you more today than yesterday, and look forward to the abundance of love that I know your future years will bring to my life and our family. You were, are, and will be worth it. So, today, on your 36th birthday, I want you to know that I choose you. I choose us. I love you. Happy Birthday, Love. May it be your best yet, but pale in comparison to those of the future.
