Dear Husband,
Here we are, [24] times we have celebrated Valentine’s Day. How far we have come and how deeply we have learned to love. When I say love, I mean the kind of love that endures storms and deserts and valleys. We have learned to love by giving instead of taking. This didn’t come naturally to us, but I think we are finally getting it.
It’s not easy, loving a person even through their most trying moments. We were basically strangers when we exchanged our vows but isn’t everyone? It takes years to break past the walls and really see a person for who they are. In ways, I feel like I am just lately really getting to know you. I can safely say, I love you for who you are, and who you will one day be.
Not long ago, you gave me a card dear husband. Inside you wrote a quote by Mother Theresa that said:
“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”
It’s true, isn’t it? To love past the hurt brings amazing depths of love. I am glad we have found this secret. Thank you for deciding that no matter what, we were going to figure this thing out. I appreciate your determination. I can’t express how much it causes me to admire you. It takes a real man to stand and fight for something that he can’t fully see. To fight for what might be, rather than what is.
C.S. Lewis pretty much summed it up:
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”
It is tempting to hold tightly to our own hearts and not let anyone touch them for fear of them getting split to pieces. But that is a selfish and lonely path. I want to be vulnerable with you because that is where the miracles take place. Stepping out in faith, and falling right off the edge together. It feels scary at times, but at least I am falling with and for you.
Sure, we have had some dark times my dear husband. But we have had beautiful times too. The best part of this journey with you is seeing the changes take place. The sparks of hope keep us going. You suddenly are more patient, and I am more thoughtful. Imagine THAT. We find ourselves feeling just plain happy, and we know that we have rounded another bend.
