Dear Steve,
I cannot believe it has already been one year since we were married on the "luckiest day of the century". (You can read more about the shenanigans of that day here) I never would have believed it then, but I love you more today than I did one year ago. I appreciate "mature love" so much more than the rapid infatuations of my youth. Being with you feels like the perfect fit to my life. When I lay on your shoulder each night, and I kiss your skin before placing my head down, I feel complete joy. I know that you'll be there if I wake up frightened from a dream or an unexpected noise. I know that you'll be there the first thing in the morning, taking advantage of our last few minutes together by holding me close. I can't possibly underestimate how much it means to know that you're always there for me. I'm glad your traveling is done for the time being. When you're gone, I resort back to a bad habit from my days as a bachelorette-sleeping on the couch. That big bed is awfully empty without you in it.
We've seen one of our chicks leave the nest this year, and even though Drew isn't mine by birth, it's been bit of an adjustment. I didn't think one child leaving home would be that noticeable, but it is. I still have to remind myself that I'm only cooking for five when I'm at the grocery, and I instinctively wonder if he's okay when I see that his car isn't in front of the house. It makes me wonder what will happen once the rest of the kids go on to their adult lives. Will I channel all that extra energy toward ruling the world, or will I collapse in an exhausted heap and become the type of woman who collects a herd of cats to fill that empty void left by her children's departure? I'm sure I'm worrying needlessly; you'll keep me on the straight and narrow.
Biggest regret of the year? I didn't go to Europe with you. Second biggest regret? Not enough pictures of the two of us. I'm always behind the camera and you're camera shy, so I had to go into the archives and dig up this one from three years ago-the very first time you wore a tuxedo.
I'll bet if I had that slick new Canon Rebel XSi I could figure out how to take pictures automatically on a tripod! Hint, hint!
I love you so much, Stevers. You are my inkblot, and the man of my dreams.
Happy Anniversary,
Amers