My Dearest,
This week, we celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary. Can you believe it?
As I write this, you’re milling about in the kitchen. You just started the coffee maker so dripping sounds mix in with my Alexis Ffrench playlist. An incense is burning on the edge of our island and a stream of smoke is releasing the earthy scent of Egyptian musk. CNBC is on the television and will be on past noon while you work.
I’m at the dining room table. One glance up and I can see the three wedding photos that hang above our headboard. In the canvas that hangs above my spot, your frat brother is clapping so hard, you’d think you shared the same parents. In the canvas that hangs above where you sleep, we are alone on a beach in Dominican Republic. Our backs face the camera as we lean into each other’s embrace beneath powdery soft clouds. Waves roll and crash in front of us, but we’re locked in on each other while holding hands. This photo always reminds me that it’s me and you against the world. No matter the problem, circumstance, the odds, it’s me and you. And while I could pull from six years of marriage, that has never been truer than these last four months.
Between loss, grief and months of uncertainty, it’s been me and you, kid. And this wedding anniversary to forever, there is no other place I’d rather be. At the risk of sounding like a romcom, each day I love you more than I thought was possible. Seeing you wheel and deal daily to make our dreams a reality. Gah! Your willingness to make the hard decisions and uproot your life to make me smile…my goodness. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, I still don’t know what I did to deserve you.
But.
One thing’s for sure, if my back is against the wall, there’s nobody I’d rather share that wall with than you. Hands down, you are my calm during and after every storm. Your cool, sometimes, nonchalant spirit, affirms me when everything is uncertain. Alot like right now.
In the last four months, there were times where I wouldn’t have eaten had you not put something in front of me. Some days, it’s because I was still healing. But most days, it was because I was head down, tapping away at my keyboard for my site’s relaunch. I ignored you more than I care to admit, but you didn’t see that. You saw my passion, my ambition and my unwillingness to go down without a fight.
At times, you saw me in a brighter light than I saw myself and you never let me forget it. With a smack to my peach, a peck on my lips, you reminded me that I’m capable of receiving everything I desire. And should I fall short, you’ll be there to make a meal, wash a load of clothes and make any sacrifice to help get the job done. So, this wedding anniversary, if I hadn’t said it lately, know that I love and appreciate you so much.
My dearest, you are my best decision. You are my favorite choice. You and your love are my wildest dreams come true. Every day, I promise to hold us down and continue to work towards the future we’re trying to build together. I love you.
Forever and Always,
Yaszy
