Seven. That number, while not a milestone number that is usually recognized, is worth celebrating. We have spent the last almost 10 years building the foundation to our forever. You have made it so easy to wake up each day and choose to love you. You have made it so easy to grow this family with you in the forefront. You have made it so easy to pick you each and every day.
Maybe easy is the right term to shape this message around. The life we have created wasn't always easy but doing it by your side made it a lot easier. Through the pregnancies and births, the financial struggles, the firings and hirings, and everything in between — you have been the solidified rock our little family needed and wanted. You have been the constant support that has held us up. You have been the constant love that has let us sleep sound at night. You have been the constant comfort that allows us to look forward when the tough times hit. One thing that has never wavered through any of the hardships was us. You have always chosen me over the problem and I have always chosen you over the problem. It has never been me vs. you; it has always been us vs. the problem. Because of that we are always so strong and so full of love.
This year is special. For the first time in our 10 years together we have been able to breathe. We don't have a crap ton of money in the bank. We do not have real estate just creating wealth. We do not have a giant retirement just waiting to be used. But what we do have is memories and the ability to say yes. You are not a planner — we know that 😉 — but your desire to go do fun things is what makes the memories so special and memorable. We say yes to almost everything. How amazing is it that something you wanted 7 years ago is coming to life? We can give Grace, William, Austin, and Lynn the most beautiful life we can imagine. We do not have enough in the bank to go on a cross-the-world trip but that isn't what we need or want at our 7 years. We want to be able to say yes to the little things we used to have to think twice about.
Why can we do this? Because of you. Because of your belief in me on the late nights of homework. Because of your belief in me through the struggles of wanting to create my own business. Because of your belief in me to have belief in myself to operate a consulting company while partnering in another. Because of your belief that I am investing in the right businesses and ideas. Without your constant, unwavering support none of this is possible.
You have shown for so many years why you are the easiest yes someone can make — and thankfully, it is me. You are so easy to admire. You are the most gorgeous woman in the entire world. You are the most caring mother in a generation that has lost a sense of nurturing. You are the best mom our kids could ask for. They run to you in times of struggle or hurt. They look to you for activities and help, but also for advice and comfort. You are the backbone to their crafts but also the one they come to when they come home upset from school.
I have plenty of dreams. It is known that a majority of them are monetary and investment based. It isn't a surprise that they revolve around wealth and prosperity — a large activity barn, a career I can enjoy day in and day out, a job where I have to golf and can do it all over the world. But my real dream? For our kids to grow up and be like you. I want them to be the snuggle bugs that you are. I want them to nurture the way you do. I want them to be as passionate and confident in their own skin as you are. You have so many amazing qualities that if our kids can be half of what you are, I would be the luckiest husband and dad in the world.
You are the most amazing human in the world. You are my person today and each day we have left on this earth together. You have made navigating this life so much easier than it should be because of your profound love and affection for me.
