Still Beautiful To Me

(This blog is for my wife, Kelli Gayle Craft)

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