I am grateful:

that you play Wingspan with me most days—I have a lot of fun playing with you :)

that you teach me how to have empathy, especially for our children

for your affection

that you provide stability at home—you enable me to bring my better self to work

for your organization skills and the work you do to keep the household running smoothly

for your imperfections

that you always make sure my pockets are tucked in

for the walks we go on together—it's fun exploring with you

for your ability to comfort our children

that you express your love for me so freely

for the thoughtful discussions we have

for your gift of self

for the effort you put into planning fun things for the family—the summer bucket list was a great idea!

that you are excited to do the budget every month

that you speak up for your needs

for the attention you give to our relationship

that you get to pursue your passions and go to grad school

for our family—you all give meaning to my life

that we've found an equitable division of chores, and that we check in to make sure it remains balanced

for our complementarity

for our fun day together, playing a game at a new coffee shop and going for a walk

that we both help each other grow in virtue and seek wisdom

for all the planning you did for Mateo's birthday party

that you put such an emphasis on playing games and having fun together

that we share the same core values—it helps create harmony in our relationship

that you've chosen me

that you care so much about me

that you have found peace amidst chaos

that you take care of me when I'm sick

that you don't mind running errands—it removes a lot of stress for me

that we have time for a hike together in the morning

that we are a team

that you like to spend time with me

that you survived through the night

that you use your organizational skills for the benefit of others

that you communicate your inner world to me

that you balance me—I make better decisions when you're around

that you prioritize our relationship

that you get to speak to others about your passions

that you let me know when you're in your sensitive phase

that I get to cuddle with you every night

that you take the kids to all of their appointments—I know it's a burden, but it means a lot to me

to hear about your joyful day

that we get to spend the holidays together in good health

that you’re home safe

for our date at your favorite restaurant

for the lovely snow-covered hike at 1,000 Islands

that you have spent the last 17 years with me—they've been, without a doubt, the best years of my life because I spent them with you

imagine ------------------- immense--------------------------- giving and receiving ---------------------------------------------------- one to ----------- the other----------------

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imagine ------------------- immense--------------------------- intimacy--she notices --------------- him ------------------------------------ once ------------------ he ----has the capacity -------------- for her ------------------------------- giving and receiving -----------a-- great-- gift-- imagine ------------ for years ------ they -------------------------------- build ---------- up---------- one to ---------- perfect ----------- the other—------------------------- joyously.

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imagine two people who care immensely for each other. in their intimacy, she notices a brokenness in him and works to lift him up beyond its reaches. once freed from that burden, he now has the capacity to do exactly the same for her, raising her up to new heights. now imagine this repeats—this giving and receiving of greater and greater gifts. imagine this repeats for years, until they both stand as strong as mountains, unperturbed by any present circumstance that in the past would have consumed their lives. over time, they build each other up, enabling one to become the perfect partner for the other—all of this willingly and joyously.