Love You Forever

Back in high school, I met the man who would become the love of my life. From that moment, I knew no one else could ever compare to him. Bob is my soulmate…the missing piece that makes me whole. I can’t imagine life without him. He’s the father of my children, my confidant, and, most importantly, my best friend.

Bob and I married young…I was almost 19, and he was 20. Many might say we were lucky, but honestly, it was hard work that helped us beat the odds. Marriage isn’t easy. When you’re young, it’s easy to believe it’s all hearts and flowers, but if you can’t handle the rough patches, those sweet moments won’t last. We’re both stubborn and hate to lose, and I think that determination carried us through the tough times. Eventually, it became second nature…we just knew our love would survive the hard days and endure through the years.

I can’t imagine how different life would be if we had never met, and I’m grateful I never had to find out. We’ve faced tough times, like the challenges of caregiving we’ve dealt with over the years, but I believe we’re exactly where we’re meant to be. If we weren’t together, I don’t know where those we care for would have been. You never really know how your spouse will step up to care for your parents until that moment arrives, and not everyone can manage that role for their own parents, let alone in-laws. I’m thankful Bob was there to grow old with me, and that I could be there for him through those hard moments.

So much has changed as we’ve grown from love-struck kids to parents and then grandparents. Looking back on all we’ve shared, I realize that while there were challenges along the way, the richness of our life together far outweighs those brief, harder moments. I wouldn’t trade a single second for any other kind of life. I’ve taken this journey with the man I love, and I’m so thankful God brought us together. He knew what was best for us and that this would be the love of our lives. Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart!! Thank you for making my life’s journey so rich. I will always love you and thank God for you!!