Wednesday

The Letter

Today is my 14th wedding anniversary.


And guess what I got from my hubby?

A letter.


And it came in this:

When I saw my name engraved on the box, I burst into tears.

I knew my hubby had been reading Letters from Dad, a book that encourages and teaches fathers the importance of writing letters and leaving a legacy for their children thru the written word.

The author encourages fathers to start the tradition by first, writing a letter to their wife.

And unbeknownst to me, that's what my hubby has been doing by the moonlight on his laptop.

(Work, ha!)

I love words. I love writing. I love letters.

And my new box with it's precious content moved me deeply. (And it will contain all future letters!)


My Kristen,

          There is something distinctly you that resonates deep within my soul.  It is your character.  Your confidence.  Your purity.

         My distant memories of you at Southwestern ring true to your soft, strong personality.  You were like no one else.  Your confident, quiet stare screamed purpose, conviction and integrity.  Many of the people we brushed shoulders with, both male and female, were less than genuine in both their interpersonal behavior and their walk with Christ.  It was like the difference between Diet Coke and the real thing.  Five minutes wasted with one of these individuals quickly revealed emptiness.

         You, however,…what a breath of clean fresh oxygen.  The hours spent playing cards, driving to church, and sitting on the porch swing at Collins Hall seemed like mere minutes.  There was something about you that drew me to you.  Before I knew that I loved you, my soul loved you.

You were my princess!

         Foolish immaturity allowed you to slip through my grasp.  It’s dumbfounding, my inability to see the treasure that was standing before me.  Thankfully, providence could not be denied.

         I remember the moment I realized I was deeply in love with you.  We weren’t seeing each other.  We had never kissed.  It was a night in early June of 1994 and I left a message on your answering machine.  My heart was pounding so hard, I could barely leave a message to tell you that I was thinking of you.  (Really, I was longing for you.)  My deepest fantasy was that you too were in love with me.  How could I have ever known that this fantasy would come to life?  

         On December 17, 1994, I married my best friend.  True to character you presented yourself to me, a spotless bride.

         Though the past fourteen years have shaped and molded the both of us, the core of who you were then is still intact today.  Your pristine beauty, integrity, and pure love are the qualities that are infused within me.

Outstanding Mother

Purposeful Homemaker

Servant of God

Constant Companion

Faithful Friend

Kindred Spirit

Beautiful Soul

Proverbs 31:28-29  says this about you,

Her children arise and call her blessed;   her husband also, and he praises her:  

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

         You are woven and intertwined in the deepest parts of my flesh, mind, spirit, and soul.  To breathe, is to love you.

Happy Fourteenth Anniversary 


And this is the letter I wrote to him: (I might add, it pales in comparison)

Dear Hubby, 

Fourteen years ago we walked down the aisle of an ugly church (I never got over the burnt orange pews). 

We were young. Nervous. Naive and crazy enough to get married on my Christmas break from teaching the first grade.  

Two days before my 22nd birthday.

You were a Youth Pastor. Remember when we drove off in my highly-decorated and oh-so-offensive car?

I can still remember the look on the Pastor's face with the condoms dangling from the muffler.

My brother had quite the sense of humor.

Ahem.

And I still feel bad about the piles of birdseed we dumped from our underwear in the restrooms of Dairy Queen.

But this is our week.

Our busy, crazy, expensive week.

Who knew 2 out of 3 children would also be born during the hectic holiday season? 

This is a busy week for us, but I wanted to pause and tell you that if I could change anything, I wouldn't.

Not a thing.

Because even though we've faced some tough challenges, we are in this place today because of those difficulties.

And though these are trite words, I've never meant them more than I do today.

I love you. Happy Anniversary.

Don't plan anything for Friday night, I've found a new unsuspecting babysitter.

And, I found 14 more images of me giving you that look loaded on my Mac this morning.

I thought I'd include it in your letter.  Because you know what it means.


Let's put the camera away, k?

The end.


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68 comments:

Lora Lynn @ Vitafamiliae said...

love it. happy anniversary to you both.

Tammy said...

Congratulations to the happy couple! Such sweet letters.

And you've got the look! :-)

Lisa said...

That is the most touching post you have ever done. I have tears in my eyes as I see you reading that letter. I feel your heart beating faster and the lump in your throat build up. I don't know you, but I do know you, and I know that the lette he wrote will mean more to you than any diamond, or silver he could have bought. What a gem you have in him and he in you. What an example to your children you both are. What a Christ like example to us you all are. Thank you for sharing that with the world. You once again truly touched my heart and I thank you!
Love and hugs to you and your family.

PastormacsAnn said...

Congratulations on 14 years! Many many many blessed returns of the day.

What wonderful presents you've given each other. ;-)

CC said...

What wonderful gifts to each other! Happy anniversary!!

Takin' time to smell the flowers! said...

What an amazing gift from your husband, beautiful! Thank you for sharing the oh so special letter inside. You are surely blessed...God Bless & Merry Christmas!!

Dawn said...

Awesome. Just awesome.

Congratulations! Wishing you many, many more years... together!!!

Mandi said...

Wow. Wow. Your husband just made me cry. How sweet and touching and thoughtful! Happy Anniversary to you both!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! Your Husband is a PRINCE! I know you'll treasure that letter FOREVER!!
We just celebrated our 13th in September. And funny thing is, I believe my Hubby has gotten a few of THOSE looks, too!! ;)
Congratulations! I wish you many, many more years together.

Unknown said...

That is a very lovely love letter. What a great guy you have. And I am not jealous at all because I have a guy like that, too.

Nancy M. said...

That is so romantic! I love the box you got and the treasure it held. It's true that not many people write letters anymore. That's what makes it extra special. Happy Anniversary!!!

Lori said...

I'm going to put that book on my husband's pillow tonight! What an amazing gift. I'd love for my dad to do it as well... Have fun on your date!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!! You guys certainly seem to have what it takes to make it. Not perfection, but devotion. God bless many more years together!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!!!

What a wonderful gift!

It looks and sounds like a great book. I tried to order one for my husband, but they don't ship APO. Guess we'll have to wait until we're in the states.

Angela @ Cottage Magpie said...

Awww, that is so awesome! What a joy to have such a wonderful relationship with your DH. Really, I'm so inspired that there are couples like that out there!

I wonder if my husband would read it if I got it for him... Hmm....

~Angela :-)

TuTu's Bliss said...

This is so sweet. My husband spent two tours in Iraq. The letters we exchanged were an unanticipated bonus and a tradition we try to continue. hugs, Jen

Anonymous said...

That man of yours should start his own blog! What a letter. Happy Anniversary to you both!

Heidi said...

Beautiful. What a wonderful marriage you guys have.

The Mommy said...

I'm crying...and I'm in love with the love that your husband has for you...and you for him. Happy Anniversary!

Unknown said...

As my husband would say "You two are like love in a bucket!"

Bless you, your marriage and your family this Christmas.

marky said...

Happy Anniversary!
I almost felt like I was reading something too personal with his letter..
then I read yours.. and giggled a bit!
Ya'll must have a wonderful good time together!
this was our 14th anniversary too ;-) (Oct)

Anonymous said...

What a thoughtful gift! Happy Anniversary!!

Lori said...

Happy Anniversary!

Jessica said...

How beautiful! I wasn't sure that the Southwestern mention in your letter was SAGU but I realized it when Collins was mentioned. I didn't attend SAGU but I worked at the college when my hubby and I were engaged and the church we attended was a big supporter. Small world!

ohhollyf said...

That was just perfect ! Congratulations on 14 yrs. of becoming that family;)
We will also be married 14 yrs. Dec. 25th, and I think the ugliness of our church could give your orange a reprive.
Merry Christmas, Holly

Happy Mommy said...

Happy Anniversary! I pray today is a wonderful day for you both! My God bless your marriage with all happy years, and 100 more of them!

Happy Mommy said...

I gave you an award on my blog today.

Unknown said...

*sniff sniff* How beautiful! Thank you for sharing that!

(I beebopped over from Rocks.)

Happy Anniversary!

Unknown said...

*sniff sniff* How beautiful! Thank you for sharing that!

(I beebopped over from Rocks.)

Happy Anniversary!

Nicole Bateman | thepixelboutique.com said...

*sniff sniff*

What an awesome, loving man you have...happy anniversary! :)

TidyMom said...

Happy Anniversary! That was just AWESOME! I mean REALLY AWESOME!!

Here's to many many more happy years together!!

~Tidymom

PS- oh, I tagged you on my blog, if you have time.

Jeni said...

Happy Anniversary!!

What beautiful, beautiful letters - both of them. You inspired me enough to click directly over to Amazon to order "Letters from Dad" for my Hubby.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

The box is so beautiful...but not as beautiful as the words inside, and definitely not as beautiful as the love that inspired the words.

What a treasure you both have found in each other. It really is refreshing. Lovely post Kristen

Amanda said...

Happy Anniversary you two! Enjoy your date you soooo deserve it considering the past few weeks. and I sooooooooooo ordered the Letters From Dad book!! Hubby did a video one time sharing his heart for each of us but I think the letter idea is beautiful!! Cant wait to give it to him. Oh and I LOVE your look! It so cracks me up!

Tales From the Eurovan said...

Next time maybe a little bit of an advance warning, something like..."get the kleenex ladies the snots going to roll on this one!" :)
Take care,
Julie

Amanda said...

Oh and another thing after reading his letter to you- your son is SOOO much like his father! He is so romantic - I will never forget the first day I meet him (he was 2-your son not hubby hee hee) he walked up to me and asked "can I kiss you?" too cute! He's going to be a little Romeo and the girls are gonna go gaga over him!

Texas said...

Lovely! Whilte I haven't written or received a letter to or from my husband, I did receive a letter from my sweet Mom, several years after she died. My mother wrote a letter to my soon to be mother in law before hubs and I married. In it she thanked my MIL for raising a God fearing, respectful, sweet son. In the course of moving, MIL came across the letter, and sent it on to me, knowing what it would mean since I no longer had my own Mom and Dad. Letter writing is a lost art that we need to revive!

Anonymous said...

I am going to hell.
I feel nothing but utter jealousy.

:)
So happy for both of you. And for your children.

Seems God knows what he is doing huh?

Jamie {See Jamie blog} said...

Everybody above said it better, so I'll just say thanks for sharing this with us!!!

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary!! What a precious gift! Thank you for sharing it with us.

Wifeof1Momof4 said...

Happy Anniversary! Sweet, sweet blessings to you both.

Robin said...

Happy Anniversary! I loved reading your letters. His made me cry. Yours had me laughing out loud. I tried to get Greg to read this post, but he wouldn't. Said that these letters are private. I said, "She posted them. They aren't private anymore." I think he just doesn't want to write a letter of his own!

Liza on Maui said...

can someone pass a tissue please. I've got tears (and mucus in my nose - pardon the overshare) reading this. Way too sweet - yes, both letters. Thanks you so much for sharing.

Liza

kymber said...

OH.MY.GOODNESS!
What a beautiful man you are fortunate to have! What a beautiful letter that he blessed you with. I am sitting here in tears of joy for you on your anniversary day. What a precious gift he has given - your letter to him is just as beautiful. I, too, would like nothing better than to have my husband pour out his heart in a letter - if only our men understood that it takes so little to make us blissfully happy - just to know their heart!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I am thinking about checking out the book for my husband too!
Thanks also for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment on my blog.
Blessings to you and Happy Anniversary!
Kymber

Ashley said...

what an awesome letter. stumbled over here from boomamas tour of homes. WOW!! what a man... my 10yr anniversary is coming up in january. maybe i should get him this for christmas!!

megan said...

That is SO SWEET!!!!!
Happy Anniversary!!!!
Blessings,
Megan

Niki Jolene said...

wow.

Kristen, pajama mama said...

After reading his letter, i will have to check that book out! what keeper! happy anniversary!
-kristen

Momlissa said...

Wow, you've got one amazing hubby there. What a touching letter. Thank you for sharing...

Andrea said...

Wow, that is so sweet!

annies home said...

that is too sweet

Muthering Heights said...

What a SWEET letter...you can see how much he cherishes you. :)

Lynn said...

Oh my...be still my beating heart. Wow.

Em said...

Oh my gosh I have tears from that and I am sure I would still be misty even if I wasn't hormonal and pregnant! SO touching!

misty said...

pure sweetness!

you wrote about meeting at "southwestern" where is that college at???

Jami said...

Heartwarming!!! Happy Anniversary!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, Kristen, just wow.

Congratulations on your anniversary. Clearly there will be many more.

Unknown said...

His letter is beautiful and touching. This is one of your first posts that I have read and I feel like I know you so well already! Congratulations on your wedding anniversary.

~ Straight Shooter ~ said...

Wow.
Wow.
and wow.
Your sincere thoughts and feelings came through in both letters.
Touching.
Inspirational.
Thank you for sharing.

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

Very cool. His letter? Amazing. Yours? VERY fitting for you and your style. (In a few years when you look back and read it again, it'll take you back, right to where you are now.)

Happy anniversary!

Amy @ Living Locurto said...

This is so sweet. I bought that book for my husband, but he never picked it up. You are one lucky lady:-) Sounds like a wonderful Anniversary.

Unknown said...

You must be one of the luckiest women I know. Your husband is a true gentleman and his letter is absolutely beautiful. All the best for many, many more years to come.

foolery said...

You sound like a wonderful match. And you definitely carry the sense of humor gene for the family!

Lovely, thank you. : )

-- Laurie @ Foolery

Meg McCormick said...

Sigh... I love these stories. So glad Marcy invited us all to share!

Anonymous said...

I love this story and am just sorry I missed it the first time around.

So glad you contributed this to Proposal 2.0!

Texasholly said...

Love the box and you caught a good one!

My favorite was the last pic!

Anonymous said...

Wow, it sounds like the two of you share something pretty incredible. Thank you SO much for being a part of what will surely be one of the most memorable days of my life.

I'm dumbstruck, discombobulated and incredibly happy.

Joelle said...

Congratulations, Kristen. What beautiful letters! Happy anniversary, and I wish you many more years of happiness together. :)