13 years ago at about this time I was sitting in a room with some friends and my dad. My thoughts were of our future, our dreams and hopes, the fact that you and I could be together forever. I was scared, that I would fail you. I was not yet able to drive, your father did not seem to like me, and I had just recently began my first full time job. I pushed those thoughts aside, and discovered my legs were beginning to bother me, Dad said to me, "It will be ok, just stay steady and shift your legs when you are standing there" I am proud of you son. Even as I type that tears are welling up in my eyes man dad I sure could use you now. The music began, and I walked out to what seemed like a sea of people. Your family alone would have filled the room. There were old friends, old co-workers all smiling. I walked up and took my place, our pastor asking me if I needed a chair. "Stay steady son" "Stay Steady."
You were beautiful, and looking as though you forgot to breathe. I just kept saying, I love you. Who knew you would become even more beautiful Our love has grown beyond just words. You loved me when you took me to work when I didn't drive. You loved me when you encouraged me to get my license, go back to school, write a book. Our love grew even more when we all we could do was cry when we thought there would be no children. Why don't we go to this informational meeting about foster care? Uh sure. 3 girls 2 boys later here we are. When our son was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia, you studied and asked questions, days and nights spent at the foot of his hospital bed making sure he was never alone. Or when Katrina needed heart surgery, there you were in bed with her playing with a stethoscope. Payten trying to deal with ADHD and feeling so sad you were there to encourage and strengthen her. All of this then Connor comes to stay and you take him with open arms, watching over and loving him. I know you are discouraged dealing with the pain but in this sea of trials, here we are still standing, still laughing, still loving. Stay steady my love we will get through this. Happy Anniversary my love.
