A letter to Ben on our 9th Anniversary

I remember one singular thing about our pre-marital counseling. Our friend and pastor told us, “You can tell a woman is loved well, simply by looking into her eyes.”

That’s always stayed with me and as I’ve met with girlfriends new and old, I sometimes look into their eyes and see it. More than anything I hope others see it in me, too. Because I am, I am loved well.

You love me better than I deserve, better than I can wrap my mind around.

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You know me so well and discern exactly when I need encouragement, what to say when a calling seems too overwhelming. You tell me I’m more beautiful without makeup…and genuinely seem to believe it.

I love that only rarely do we go to bed at separate times, but rather sleepily walk up the stairs together every night. I love that our feet touch as we read in bed and that you never let me stay mad for more than five minutes.

I love that you apologize when you’re wrong and are quick to forgive when I am. I love how many pictures and curtains you’ve hung through the years, dreading it and yet doing it anyway because you know it’d make me happy.

I love that you’re not easily stressed; yet when you are, I can calm you just by holding your hand. I love to hear your heart as you pray. I love how you play with the kids, and how you explain things so they understand.

I love that if one of us says we’re bringing home another child, the other just smiles and says “Great! Whose room should we reconfigure?”

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I love that God has given me a dream and you’re my biggest fan…my fan, my agent, and my prayer warrior. I love that you think I can do more and be more than I think I can, I love that you never push and always guide.

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I love that we’re like high school kids and talk and text about 100 times a day. I love that we’re not at all sick of each other. I love that you’re my best friend, my confidant, my protector.