I fell in love. It’s been ninteen years ago today we married in a little catholic church in the university town of Fayetteville , Arkansas. I couldn’t live without you so I said yes on that Arkansas hill top one Thanksgiving cold morning. I followed you there thinking why am I doing this ? Its cold , its breezy , and cloudy. I should be sleeping in under warm down covers in my dorm. I awoke at 4:30am and went anyway for the chance to be with you , by your side to your family farm . I’d do anything to spend as much time as I could with you. Our time was limited by your travel from Florida and then Texas where you lived. Little did I know you’d be asking me to marry you that day.
I remember it as if it were yesterday. You were so handsome and strong as you held my hand and we walked in the tall grass beyond the cedar trees where I sat quietly next to you as you hunted before daybreak. We walked into a clearing after the first few hours of sunlight . We did not see much only some scurring squirrels gathering their last bit of winter food. I wanted to sit and rest and you insisted I stand . You held me with so much love as we looked at the view upon the hill . It consisted of the sky as it changed into ozark trees with little bits of muted fall leaves dangling, to a field with fading grass. All I wanted to do was sit. Then , as if on cue there was a little break in the clouds. They opened slightly and some golden fall sun seeped through to bring warmth on the ground all around us. You slowly went to your knee . It was as if in slow motion. Did I know what was happening? No, not really. But I guess I did because gently a tear came from one corner of my eye. I held my breath . There was nothing but you and me for a moment. The most beautiful words were spoke from your perfect lips. Of course, I quietly nodded at first, then , ” Yes, yes Yes! ! ! ” I knelt with you and more tears came while our arms were wrapped in one another. It was pure happiness.

Yes, I fell in love. I feel in love . I am in love. More ways than I can count.

Is it because you tell me to enjoy life everyday?
Is it because you gave me $20 dollars when I had nothing to eat but rice while trying to make it on my own?
Is it for the way you touch my hair and brush it off my forehead?
Is it because you gave me three of the most wonderful boys in the world?
Is it the way you taught them how to be better ?
Is it because you never let me give up on anything?
Is it the coffee you make for me the night before so it will be ready  first thing in the morning?
Is it because you charge my iphone without me knowing  so I won’t be left with a dead phone?
Is it because you let me follow my dreams and live them?
Is it because you took me to Italy and drove to Tuscany?
Is it because you made it fun when we got lost on  a dirt road in Tuscany?
Is it because you make me smile?
Is it because you’ve always made me feel so loved?
Is it because even when we argue I know things are going to be okay?
Is it because you make time for us to relax in the hammock?

Is it because you buy me really yummy lemonade in a fancy jar just because?

Is it because you let me paint the walls as many times as I want in search for the “right” color?

Is it because you know when I need a hug?
Is it because I am a better person with you?
Is it because God shared you with me?

I love you more ways than I can say.  Thank you for bringing out the best in me  and for loving me. Happy Anniversary baby!

Almost 20 years ago …