To my love at 733 days.

You know, the pain I felt through the experiences I’ve encountered taught me to set standards and expectations that I married myself to. It forced me to strategize my needs and wants in a way that attaining them would be the only source of happiness, because without them, I felt sadness. After years of getting what I didn’t want and didn’t deserve, it only made sense to put measures in place to ensure history wouldn’t repeat itself. And then there was you. Who made life volatile and out of my control again. I was unprepared - once again - and it was scary. How I equipped myself before wouldn’t protect me from the better person you were forcing me to be. It’s hard to let go of the ways you become strong, impenetrable and whole. But you remind me every day that strong, impenetrable and whole does not equate to giving love unconditionally. You remind me to remain patient, to be honest, to ensure I am coming from a place of partnership before self. You remind me that love is about what you give. Love is about who you need me to be to help you. Even when you are cold to me. Even when I am hurt. Even when we are falling out - that the answer is to get back in. You remind me to be brave in love, that better times come only from us together. One more step, one more try, one more time, every time.

What a difficult couple years. Only makes me excited to see better times unfold. Thank you for journeying life alongside me as we navigate the uncertainty together. Thank you for fathering our sons with devotion and tenacity. Thank you for being such a pillar for us as the man we chose to love and lead our family. I am honored to be serving you in this capacity. Love only. Bad days, good days, all days, all ways, always. Sharda