Dearest husband – Reasons why I love you

To my dearest husband, Brent. Today marks 13 years of a successful marriage and I decided to dedicate this post to you.  I think this has been the easiest post I’ve written as it required no research, brainstorming and no in-depth thinking. I know that you are an extremely private person and don’t want to be put on the spot but this post comes straight from my heart.  This is not another anniversary post, which is sappy, spill my gushy feelings type of blog post.

Our marriage is not perfect and every day is a work in progress.  It is a priority for both of us to make it work. Point is, our love story is not a fairy tale or a romantic movie with happily ever afters – our love story is one of simplicity and what makes it unique is that it is our journey and not that of anyone else.

I firmly believe that love is a doing word.  Remembering how afraid you were to say these words to me 17 years ago as you didn’t know what my reaction would be. But before you could say it, I knew that you loved me. And when you finally said those words, it had real meaning.

For some it’s a word that is taken for granted without displaying action. Others say it without putting thought into it. Love is a language that does not always have to be a spoken or have a sexual connotation to it.  Although love is kind, it requires hard work.

Love is not red roses, sunset cruises, romance or anything written in a Hallmark card.  Love doesn’t have to be extravagant; it can just be gazing at each other and having that assurance that the person who loves you gives a full 100% to make it work.

We say these words to each other every day and you know that I love you with all my being. But somehow, I’ve never really told you why I love you.

So here are the reasons why I love you…

That you love me for who I am and have no expectation of who you want me to be.

For being a team player so that we can work together to make our marriage a success and to parent our kids.

For putting me first when the kids put me second.

That you respect me and value my opinion.

For encouraging and believing in me and being my biggest supporter in everything I do.

That you allow me into your space and trusting me to share your inner thoughts and feelings with.

That you are accepting of others and always seeing the good in people.

Your generosity and consideration towards other.

We are both equally stubborn but I love that you will always be the one who apologises.

For your patience and tolerance when there are times when I act like a b ending with an h.

That you can be completely honest with me and tell me when I’m wrong.

That you are my advocate and the first person I call to share my joys and my struggles.

For not judging me and for trusting my decisions.

That you are still into me and that I am still into you.

For making US a priority.

That we can just sit in the same room and not speak a single word but that you get me, even after 17 years of knowing each other – we still on the same page.

For being logical when I want to be irrational.

Your work ethic, passion and dedication towards your learners at school.

For being my calm, protection, safe place and my rock when life seems to be full of storms.

That your faith is so strong and that you place our marriage in God’s hands.

For being practical and never saying no and taking up a challenge when I ask you to create a DIY task.

That you are an amazing dad to our girls and that your love for them is unconditional.

For helping around with household duties and not moaning about it.

That you bring me coffee in bed every morning.

For being a good cook and making a killer breakfast.

That you don’t grow tired of me and that we can communicate about everything.

When you look at me you look into my soul as you know me so well.

For the chemistry that is between us and that I still get goose bumps when you walk into the room.

Your sense of humour and that you find enjoyment out of teasing and pranking me and that I am the sucker who fall into that trap every time.

For your humility and selflessness.

That although you annoy me by leaving the toilet seat up and placing an empty juice bottle in the fridge – I still love you.

Lastly for just being who you, with no pretence and there is absolutely nothing that I want to change about you.

Here’s to celebrating many more wedding anniversaries with you by my side. Let’s continue to build on this love and being an example to our daughters. Thank you for embarking on this journey with me and for still being the ONE.