With Father's Day fast approaching (see my gift guide here!), G's birthday on the way, and this August marking 5 years of life together, I have been thinking a lot about the man who made me a wife and mother, and Reader, I am so grateful for him.
Unlike my girl friends, I didn't marry early. I was the single one for years after they'd all gotten married. In fact, there were days I wasn't sure I'd ever get married, and I was positive I'd never be a mom (it just wasn't a desire I had). I was happy in my single life, and refused to give that up for just anyone. It would have to be someone amazing - someone who led me towards Christ, believed in me, and loved who I was while encouraging me to become who I was called to be - otherwise, I was happy single.
Then I met G. From the beginning, this man of mine was extraordinary. He took the time to stop, be present, look me in the eyes and listen. He shared all of himself with me. Not all at once, but over time, as our relationship developed. He was strong, genuine, honest, caring, invested, and committed.
Through G, I learned what sacrificial, supportive love looked like, and he still shows me that love every single day. He loves who I am, but encourages me to grow. He leads me back to Jesus when I slip, or fall, or get angry. He sees the good, the bad, and the terribly ugly I have hiding in my soul, and still chooses to love me the way he promised to the day we were married.
It was because of this love that I had the courage to pursue motherhood. I didn't want to parent alone (I had watched my own mother do that), but I knew that with G, I wouldn't have to. And I don't. He is so invested in our little girl that it melts my heart. She has the best daddy, and I have the most amazing husband.
So Gabriel, with all these beautiful moments coming up to celebrate you, I wanted to take this time to say I love you. I am so in love with you. And I will continue to choose to love you every day for the rest of our lives. Thank you for being the man God called you to be, and striving towards the man He calls you to become. I love the way you love our daughter, and am constantly humbled by the way you support and love on me. You are amazing, and I couldn't be happier, more grateful, or more blessed by being yours.
All my love, forever and ever -
