Ten years ago today, we gazed into each other’s eyes and said, “I do”.
Marrying you, Leif, was one of the best decisions I’ve made in life. I fell in love with you for a laundry list of reasons. Your strength. Your poise. Your playfulness. I adore your slightly inappropriate sense of humor. And of course, your super cute bum-bum.
I never married you for money. We were broke. I never married you for degrees. One day you’re going to complete that bachelors. I never married you for your career. Though those flight benefits at Alaska Airlines were amazing.
I married you for you. I married you because I’d never met a man who radiated so much kindness and tenderheartedness toward others. I knew the day I said “yes” that I was saying “yes” to a lifetime of compassion, and it’s been more fulfilling than I imagined.
I’ve been given front-row tickets to watch you love people. Seeing those who others overlook. Giving generously to others anonymously. Offering to serve those who need help but don’t have the courage to ask. Just this last Sunday you slipped cash in the front seat of a stranger’s car who you suspected could use it. When I saw that, I said “I do” all over again in my heart.
But you’re more than a man of kindness. You’re a person of integrity and courage, and yet you have an uncanny ability to infuse a room with a sense of calm. Oh, and I love that you’re 6’8. Whenever I stand beside you or nestle in your arms, I feel like the safest woman in the world.
For 10 years, we’ve embarked on this life together as if it were a wild adventure filled with laughter, play, and much joy. We’ve taken every opportunity to travel, meet remarkable people, and catch glimmers of God’s handiwork everywhere. Some have criticized that we’ve done too much, pushed too hard. But you and I knew this great big gift called “life” is something that’s meant to be unwrapped, worth searching toward the bottom corners of the box, each and every day.
I never imagined that on this wedding anniversary we’d be forced into a different kind of adventure, a battle with cancer. Since the diagnosis you’ve held me tight. You’ve sat with me through difficult doctor’s appointments and kissed my forehead during treatment. You’ve cooked meals I’ve been unable to eat. You’ve carried me when I couldn’t walk. You’ve built beds on the bathroom floor.
You’ve cared for me on my good days and bad. And together—we know we’re going to get through this.
You’ve loved me with a love that goes beyond words.
I’d say this wild affection you’ve shown me is something I’ve never experienced before. But it’s all too familiar. Because this is the same deep love you’ve given since the day we said, “I do.” On our anniversary, I find myself more in love with you than ever.
So I guess what I really want to say is…thank you for picking me.
Today, I say, “I do” all over again. I’m filled with the divine expectation and abundant joy as we embark on our next decade together.
Immeasurable love,
Margaret
