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My Dear Husband,
Oh, Husband… there are times you make me so angry, times you irritate the daylights out of me, and times I can’t stop rolling my eyes about your choices. There are times you make tears sting my eyes and times I struggle to remember why I chose you in the first place. There are times you drive me up the wall and times I get so angry with you.
And then, Husband, there are other times.
• Times when I see you play with our children and make them squeal with glee.
• Times when you get up and go to work to make a living to support us even when you don’t want to.
• Times when you hug me tight and kiss my forehead, silently telling me you will always take care of me.
• Times when I walk with you through some of the most painful moments in life and you get through them with such grace and love.
• Times when I look at you and see how unbelievably handsome you are.
• Times when I see there is not a judgmental bone in your body. Times when you remind me that it’s the simple things. Times when you prove to me that, though we have plenty, we don’t need a lot to be happy.
• Times when my OCD and MDD take over my mind so much that the thought of facing the day seems too much.
• Times when I am so lost in my own anxiety and depression that I can’t make sense of things and you step in with logic and talk me down.
• Times when you step up and make moves to help me when you sense I am struggling.
• Times when I am reminded that, even with all the issues I have, all the struggles I face as a woman and that we face as a family, that you would never, ever not be here.
• Times when your refusal to give up on me speaks volumes, reassuring me that you are my rock, that I am not my illnesses, that I am worthy of love.
• Times when you take charge because I need to get away.
• Times when I feel unworthy and you express to me how much I contribute to our family.
• Times when you bring me back to a place of calm and peace. Times when I question my success at being a mom and wife and you don’t hesitate to tell me how much you all need me, and what a positive difference I make.
These are the times that exemplify what it is to be a man. A man of strength, of love, or purpose. A man who is an example for all others. A man who cherishes his wife and his daughters, regardless of the cards they are dealt. A man who looks at marriage and fatherhood as lifetime commitments and journeys and does not consider leaving an option. A man anyone would be beyond grateful to call their own.
My husband, there are days I am in awe of you. Of all that you do for our family. Of your strength, compassion, and willingness to fight my battles with me. I am in awe of your love for our daughters and how you give them an example of what to look for in a partner. Of your willingness to help anyone in a time of need. Of your connections with your friends. Husband, you are an incredible man and I recognize that in our day-to-day I may not share that with you enough. While I am quick to bring down the hammer, I am lax in reminding you of how much you mean to me.
I cannot ever thank you enough for staying by my side through some of the hardest things I have ever faced. I cannot ever thank you enough for refusing to let me give up. I cannot thank you enough for working all day and coming home and working some more. I cannot thank you enough for being you.
I cannot ever thank your parents enough for raising such an incredible man.
So, Husband, please know that my love for you knows no boundaries. You are not the norm, you are the exception. This world would be a much better place if there were more people like you. I will be forever grateful and honored that, out of everyone, you chose me. And that you continue to choose me every day.
My dear husband, I love you.
Love,
Your Wife
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Photo: GettyImages
