Kelli, I know
that our wedding anniversary is still a few months away, but sometimes when
times are especially tough, I think you need to be reminded of how special you
are... and how much I am still in love with you. So, consider this an early
anniversary note.
The last
twenty-three years have been great. Sure, we’ve had our ups and our downs.
We’ve experienced happiness and joy that we could not contain—the birth of
Conor, Kolten, Caleb, and Michaela, the adoption of Merci, or just the quiet
times we've been able to get away together, for example. We’ve also suffered
heartbreak and sadness; I won’t go into any details because there’s no need—we
remember. We’ve faced challenges that we never dreamed we’d face. Together,
we’ve made life-changing decisions. And every step of the way, you’ve been
there to support me and to support our family. Your loyalty and your dedication
have been steadfast and complete. Your love and your compassion have been
unwavering. You have strengthened me when my faith was weak, and you have
allowed me to minister to you when yours was weak.
As a token of
appreciation for your love, your loyalty, and your support, I want to publicly
tell you: Thank You. Thank you for being who you are, and
thank you for sharing these last twenty-three years with me. Thank you for your
tireless efforts on my behalf and on the behalf of our children, even when they
don’t recognize or don’t seem to want your support (we do have teenagers, after
all). Thank you for being a godly woman. Thank you for loving me and, most
especially, for loving Jesus. After the last twenty-three years, I can’t wait
for the next seventy-three, or however long God blesses me to be with you.
I still love you five, Kelli. Don't ever forget
that, and don't, even for a second, think that I'll ever love you less!
"We're still goin' strong, and
I'm so glad that you came along. In every way you're still beautiful to
me. There's somethin' I can't deny; You sure still know how to move
this guy. Our love still feels good, still runs deep. When you get close babe,
I still get weak. Because in my arms is where you belong. Hey babe you're
still number one. Oh can't ya see, you're still beautiful to
me You'll always be so beautiful to me. Ya babe in every way, you're
still beautiful to me." - Bryan Adams
