Dear Allen,

 Can you believe it's been 8 years? Some of those years have seemed like the longest of my life. Others have gone by so quickly I wish I could go back and experience them again.

I know that getting here hasn't been utopic. You and I are intense people. We run hot and are very devoted to our own ideas. We are powerhouses in our own right. We had achieved much on our own and were totally comfortable as individuals. We were also poorly qualified for marriage and obstinate in our ignorance. We had convinced ourselves, and probably others, that we were happy alone and didn't need anyone else. Boy, were we ever wrong.

When I think back on who I was when I met you, I realize I was incomplete. Over the course of our 8 years as husband and wife, I have also learned how to be selfless, empathetic, compassionate, faithful, hopeful, and much, much stronger. Without you, I could never reach my full potential.

We've flipped houses, climbed the corporate ladder, ventured out on our own to brave the big, bad world, poured and blood, sweat and tears into our efforts. While those endeavors have molded us and given us satisfaction, there is no denying our most significant contributions in this life have been our children. We have given three precious souls their mortal bodies and the most wonderful opportunity anyone could be given. They are such special little people. I am amazed at what I learn from them. I am often overcome by depth of love I have for them and how badly I want for them to be happy in this life.

I know that I have chosen a wonderful father for them. You are quick to show affection and you dote upon them when you are home. You show them the wonders of nature and demonstrate how to care for life. You brush their hair and rub their backs. When they are sad, you hold them tight. You show them how to serve others and work hard. I know you spend countless hours thinking of how to be the best dad you possibly can. Of all the gifts I could have ever given them, you are the only priceless one and undoubtedly the most important. These girls will grow to admire an honorable man and have hope in marriage because of you.  For that, I am eternally grateful.

I know that you are fueled by your devotion to this family. And you start with me. I know you walk out that door every day for one reason: me. I know you want nothing more than to know I am happy and content and finding joy in this life. I love you for that. I love that when you know what is right, you will stop at nothing to make it happen for me. I love that you understand my sarcastic sense of humor and are strong enough to withstand it. I love that you look beyond the wear and tear of bearing your children and see all of the imperfections as badges of honor. I love that you revere motherhood. You are a complex person with depth and integrity. I'm both challenged and fulfilled as your wife and I wouldn't have it any other way. You keep me interested and on my toes. We both know that is exactly what I need.

Together we are unstoppable. Neither one of us could achieve alone what we can together.While I'm not perfect (yet), I want you to know I work hard to try and be the wife you hoped for. You lived worthy of an eternal companion knowing, someday, you would find me and I fully intend to be by your side as we journey through this life and into the next.

Happy Anniversary.

Photo: Kelsey's Kreations