Three Years

Dear Ryan:

Three years ago today, we stood in warm sand and said our forever promises in front of a handful of our friends and family and a handful of complete strangers who lurked. {Shout out to the anonymous, shirtless interloper in the video.}

I loved that day. I loved absorbing every moment of my lifelong dreams come true. It was more than I ever could have asked or imagined.

And then we came home from the fairy-tale of warm sand and sunny days and we started real life. Sometimes real life has had its fairy-tale-ish moments and sometimes...well...not so much.

But here's what I have loved about the last three years:

I've loved knowing you're always in my corner, always praying for me, always championing me, always believing in me. I've loved being your person in your corner, praying for you, championing you, and believing in you.

I've loved our many adventures. I've loved traveling with you, doing radio with you, now podcasting with you, making a home with you, and daily life-living with you. Every day is an adventure with you - in the best possible way.

And in these last few weeks, as I have revisited the longing and the prayers of my single days while I wrote about that season of life, I am reminded again what a beautiful answer to prayer you are. How completely God fulfilled everything that remained incomplete and unfulfilled in my life. How you have made it possible for marriage to be everything I ever dreamed it could be - even when those around me told me I was completely unrealistic.

I love where we are at this stage in our marriage. I know we have so much growing and learning and groove-finding to do yet, but for three years out from our lovely wedding day, I'm thrilled with where we are. I'm thrilled with the traditions we've formed and memories we've created. I'm thrilled with the choices we've made, the hard things we've made it through, and the fun we've had along the way.

And most of all, I love you. You are selfless, you are encouraging, you are a leader, you are fun, you are compassionate, you are passionate about the Lord, you are hard-working, and I am so glad you are mine. You teach me with your actions and push me to be better while loving me in my right now.

Happy third anniversary, my love. You have made the last three years the best of my life. I'm grateful beyond what I can pour into words for your presence in my life.

Thanks for choosing me every day. Thanks for making me smile. Thanks for choosing to write these chapters of your life alongside me. You are my joy.

~ AS