January 7, 2o12

One of the projects I am working on currently is compiling a book containing all the Love Letters (thus far) my husband has written me. It was a Christmas tradition that began over 20years ago.

This is a year of change. Our son will be graduating and going on to college. I have spent a lot of time preparing “Senior” things like going through photos, and numerous other finalizing details for our college-bound lad. In doing so, I have likened it to traveling back through time at a rapid pace. The memories are incredible to say the least. Two things happen; firstly, you turn the pages of time in photo albums and secondly, your mind fills in all the details of the events. It has brought me great joy.

This particular letter to my husband is the only one in the book from me to him. I don’t write the Love Letters, he does and I get to receive them (always anxiously awaited). However, this particular year I was moved to write him one. It has been years since I have read it.

The reason I chosen to share is this: As I recall the last 20 years, we have travelled an emotional and spiritual journey. Like most married couples, we have been and are on quite a voyage. There were many storms to weather and get through; deserts to cross, valleys to climb up out of, tragedy’s to overcome, mountains to travail, hurts to mend…..all while looking toward the love for each other that desires to prevail.

The key word is “through”. We didn’t give up. We were and are committed to our marriage. The grass is not really greener on the other side, it’s just different. There is no “if only” that would have been a better choice for either one of us in our marriage. We chose each other forever. When the last page of this life has turned, we will still be together.

I was moved by my expression of love when I re-read this letter. But I must tell you, I realized also that some things I needed to be reminded of. He is the wonderful man God gave to me and deserving of my love and respect.

Today, I see so many marriages choose to give up. I would like this letter to serve as a reminder of how powerful the greatest commandment is to “love”. Every marriage is a covenant and not to be taken lightly. It is my prayer that you are hopeful and faithful to your marriage and experience the fullness and depth of love for each other that it was intended to be.

I appreciate the refreshing it has given me to re-read this letter. Maybe it means something to you.

Denise

************************************************************************************
September 30th 1997

My Dearest Husband;

This letter is so long overdue. I have wanted for sometime now to write YOU a love letter. Over the last few years you have written me such beautiful love letters and I eagerly await each one now at Christmas time. Mine can, in no way measure up to your gift of writing and expres-sing your love for me. So into my heart, please look, as you read this.

I was told some years ago that God would restore my family to me. I had no idea how He would do that. When I look at you and our son, I wonder how I could have ever questioned the Almighty. Since our first date I new we were something exceptional. Our relationship since our marriage has become stronger, closer and more discerning. The amount of trust I have for you in immeasurable. That alone, was such a strong beginning. With unspoken words, you have always tried to do what is right. Not just for me and for our son, but for all concerned.

Over the last few years, I have observed your growth in restructuring the family business as well as redefining your spiritual quest. I have watched you struggle without wavering. And I have seen your humble success. There have been times that I have felt powerless to help you in your endeavors. Growing into motherhood, I have not always known how to direct my energies where needed. And to you, my husband, I ask forgiveness for the times that I did not do or say the right thing. You are so worthy. And it is my hearts desire to be the best wife and mother I can possibly be.

Every day is a genuine new beginning. The past holds us to absolutely nothing but future wisdom. With you as my beloved husband, to love, honor and obey, until death do us part we can accomplish anything.


(Yes, I said obey. If I remember correctly, I chose not to use that word in our marriage vows.) As growth would have it, I have learned that you would never ask of me anything that would be harmful in anyway. So when we renew our wedding vows, I will be delighted to utilize the word. I will always aspire to be the companion God wants me to be for you. As Jesus had and has such amazing compassion for man, I pray daily that He will change me and reveal to me your needs.

A day does not pass that I do not long for your caress. When you are away, I miss you. I need to hear your voice and look into your beautiful blue eyes that tell all. I know now what true love consists of. It’s everything we are. It’s a relationship that there could never be enough time for. It’s ongoing. Each day is awaited with anticipation. What blessings will there be, what mountains will we overcome? Love is the hurt we feel for one another that no one else can know. Love is the special place in your heart for one another that no one else can fill. I could never spend enough time with you. Sadly, some people will search a lifetime and never ever have what we have. I am so b blessed to be your wife and to have given birth to your son. If possible, I would have loved to have given you lots of children.

Together, I look forward to raising our son. He will be the successor of your inspiration and insight so admirable given. More than anything though, the greatest gift to him will be the spiritual Godly foundation instilled within our home. You and I do not have a lot of that upbringing in our family history. That quest together will bring a long awaited generational change. I have never seen a father more proud than you. Especially when I see you gazing at that sleeping little boy in your arms. One of the greatest blessings a mother and wife can have is to see the love her husband has for her child.

The time we spend together is so precious to me. When ever we are talking, driving, watching a movie, working in the yard or having dinner, I find it difficult to choose a favorite. I know that we don’t have a lot of intimate time together, but that certainly doesn’t mean that I am not trying to figure out how to HAVE a date with you. There is always passion in my heart for you and there is nothing that can hold a candle to the intimate bond we share.

I have learned so much from you and will never stop. You taught me many things as I was working outside our home and you still teach me. My husband, you have character unsurpassed by none. I have wondrous admiration for you and am amazed at the many gifts you have. Are you sure you didn’t stand in line twice when God was passing out these things? I think I was LOOKING for the line to get in. That would be why, if we home school , you will be the teacher and I will be recess . . . . . . gladly.

I wish I could say we have been married for at least 25 years. Though I can’t, I know that our lifetime together will continue to be filled with tremendous excitement. We simply got a later start than most, and that’s okay. In years to come the memories we are building will be treasures upon which to reminisce.

Recently, we had a horrific scare. And the only mention of it I want to say is that there is nothing we cannot go through together. Equally so, there is nothing I want to go through apart. You are my true love and I want us to continue enjoying a healthy, prosperous, happy and spiritually fulfilled life. I have no better friend than you and there is nothing that I would not share with you.

Last of all, you have always made me feel like a princess and every time I see you it is like Christmas. You will forever be like a new package to open.

Your Loving and Devoted Wife,
Denise