June 10, 2000
To My Sweet Husband,
It’s hard to believe that it’s been
thirteen years since we said our “I do’s.”
Thirteen years ago thirteen years seemed like a very long time. Back then I certainly could not picture what
life would be like this far into the future.
And indeed, much has changed in thirteen years.
In thirteen years we have grown up and
grown together. We’ve started first
jobs, moved into two houses, accumulated furniture and cars (one being a 12
passenger van—who would have thought?), visited new places, made decisions together,
cried, laughed and prayed together, and had six kids together. Yes, it’s been a wonderful, full thirteen
years. And I love this life that we’ve
created; that God created for us.
When we first married I remember
hearing couples that had been married for many years talk of how their love had
grown over time. I thought then,
however, that surely I could never love you more than I did on our wedding
day. I was so in love with you then, how
could I ever love you more?
As we’ve experienced life together
and tackled the challenges of creating a family, not only have we grown closer
in our relationship, but I’ve watched a strong, hard-working, loving, and godly
man emerge from the young man I married thirteen years ago. Thirteen years ago I didn’t know the
commitment of a husband who pulled out of the driveway before dawn each morning
to work a long day to support his family, never once complaining of this
responsibility. Thirteen years ago I
didn’t know the refreshment of having a husband I could count on to be home for
a family dinner every evening. I didn’t
know the love of a husband who would hold me and hug me when my heart ached,
not needing me to justify my emotions. I
didn’t know the devotion of a husband who would pamper me through pregnancy—six
times. Thirteen years ago I didn’t know
what a good father you would be, purposefully leading and guiding each of our
children. Thirteen years ago I didn’t
know what a joy it would be to see my husband playing football in the backyard
with our boys or the sound of our daughter’s laugh when she gets tickled by her
daddy. I didn’t know the man who would
stop and pray before moving on to action.
Thirteen years ago I didn’t know the man who would offer to get up with
a crying baby in the middle of the night.
I didn’t know that you would show
love when it wasn’t deserved, patience after a long day, generosity when it
cost you something, and that you would still go the extra mile even after
thirteen years.
While I loved you so very much
thirteen years ago, I love you even more now.
I am so blessed to call you my husband and I can’t wait fall further in
love with you still.
Yours
Forever,
Gretchen
