Emily,

You’re amazing, you know that right? Four-and-a-half years ago we met during the fall semester of our senior year at Ball State University and I never would have envisioned the fundamental impact you would have on my life. We’ve grown together over the years, going from two carefree college students to the responsible, prudent, and selfless parents of today. On occasion, I reminisce about our first year or two together as a young couple in our early 20’s and one thing is for certain: You weren’t dating the man that you’re married to today. You were dating a boy and in the following passages, I’m going to address how you transformed this once lost, hesitant boy into the confident, pep in my step man that I’m today.

• You Taught Me to Stop Worrying So Much: I had a terrible habit of overanalyzing every conversation, situation, and experience, among others, that occurred in my life. You exhibited to me that not everything needs to be scrutinized and sometimes it’s better to just shake it off and move on. I’ll always be in debt to you for showing me that life is too short to worry what others say or think about you.
• Be Patient and Wait on the Lord: I never was the most religious person before I met you and I’ll forever be thankful to you for connecting me with our Lord and how meaningful a relationship with Him can be. There’s no other place I would want to spend my Sunday mornings than with you, Colin, and the rest of the congregation at Stilesville Christian Church promoting hope, optimism, and positivity. The church has taught me that I need to continue to adopt and develop higher qualities of love, generosity, and kindness and it’s refreshing to be surrounded by people who share the same message and vision.
• Nothing is More Important than Family: It can be easy sometimes to get lost in the mundane daily tasks that we’re all faced with, such as keeping the house clean, mowing the yard, washing the dishes, etc., but you deep-rooted in me that nothing is more important than family. There is nothing more significant that I shouldn’t be able to take five minutes to share a warm embrace with you and tell you that I love you when I get home from work or spend ten minutes reading Colin a book before bed. Additionally, you rendered the mindset to never take any moment for granted because tomorrow is never promised to any of us.
• The Clock Has Run Out on My Harshness: It might come as a surprise to some, but I didn’t have the highest of self-esteem when I was younger. I was constantly self-criticizing myself and thinking pessimistically. I love that you demonstrated to me that if you can’t be kind to yourself, it’s hard to expect the same from others. Even though I still make mistakes (as we all do), I recognize now that nobody can make me feel insignificant without my consent. You reminded me how to have fun, laugh, to focus on what matters, and to have an infectious smile at all times, no matter what.

With you by my side, I know that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I love that moment when I just look into your eyes and a genuine sense of happiness fills my body and heart. You make me feel special, extraordinary, confident, loved, and I’m beyond blessed and fortunate to have crossed paths with someone as pure and caring as you. Thank you for molding me into the man that I am today, sweetie. I love you.

Your husband,

Chris