There was a time when you weren’t in my life.

Before I knew you I lived my life with me as the focus: my dreams, my job, my interests, my routines, my travels, my goals.

Before I knew you I felt incomplete, a bit empty, a little lost, wistfully lonely. Life felt a little flat and predictable.

Before I knew you, well, let’s not think about that anymore because now I know you!

Now life is intense and rich and active and filled with adventure! We have built a life together! Yes, we have added some kids and a puppy to the mix but it’s more than that. There is something mysteriously wonderful about having a person who belongs entirely to me and knowing that I belong entirely to you. It means that no matter how rough life gets or I get or you get, we are never going to give up. It means that tomorrow is a new day and we are going to start over. It means that if there is a problem we are going to find a solution. It means that if we get to the point where there’s only one man left standing, I’ll have your back.

Walking down memory lane this past week has been marvelous. I like remembering our courtship and our newlywed season but I wouldn’t want to repeat it. I like where we are right now: laughing at the silly antics of our kids, chatting long into the night about our future plans, going on spontaneous road trips (and coming back with a puppy), trying out new restaurants, playing games, welcoming guests into our home, being able to talk freely with you about my struggles and never once feeling inferior to or minimized by you. I crave life with you more as each day goes by.

Before I knew you I was happy, but now you’re my dream come true. Happy 5th anniversary, my Love! May we be blessed with 95 more.