A
letter to my valentine, my love, my partner and my wife - Debbie:
Valentine’s
Day is the traditional day on which lovers express
their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, or gifting candy and
presenting flowers. But sometimes people who are in love and
especially those who have been with each other for a long time take it for
granted.
Eighteen
years - that's how long we've been with one another. Eighteen years feels like
a lifetime - so much has changed in our lives in this time. We have changed and
yet I love you more than ever.
We've
been through our times of trial - little things like you getting mad all the
time when I spank your butt - and much bigger things from being in our 20’s, college,
to finances, to not know what we were doing or where we were going. Yet we
still find time to give each other a kiss and hug every day.
You
have changed who I am in such fundamental and subtle ways, that I attribute
much of who I am now, to you. You have made me happier, stronger, and more compassionate person. You have also given me the priceless gift of your love, your tears and your care.
You
have given me more than just your love; you gave me our first son Julian - who
might as well be a tiny clone of myself, who despite his stubbornness and
strong personality makes my heart jump each time I hear him laugh, each time he
runs to me and hugs me and tell me he loves me.
Just
like that, Julian is almost 3! Three years old! All parents gush about how
smart their children are - but we both know there's something special and
unique about him. I cannot verbalize or put to words my thanks to you for him.
He's a gift you've given to me.
Then
there is our little bun in the oven. Not even fully baked but I can’t wait for
it to come out.
You've
given me so much; you've changed me so much. You've made me look outside of
myself and think of others - you, our son; you've driven me to be better - a
better man, a better husband, father and human.
You
are beautiful - you always have been, you are strong - you are honest and
critical. I might say half-jokingly to people that you're my better half sometimes - but
you really and truly are (You are also better looking than me!).
You
and the gifts have given me - our son, and baby to be, have given me more than
a reason to be grateful, just to keep moving from day to day. You've given me a
reason to truly live, to truly push myself beyond anything I could have
imagined eighteen years ago.
There
are probably harder times coming for us (two kids!). And I’m sorry that I cannot
always give you all the things you so richly deserve - I'd give you anything,
I'd buy you anything if I could. I am sorry I don't have anything I can give
you today other than my words - darn those hard times!
My
gift to you on this Valentine day is this - my expression of how much I truly love
you, value you, and cherish you and how grateful I am of the good times, the
memories, our son and most importantly our love. I am but a broken man, but
with you I am whole.
Thank
you for being who you are.
Thank
you for being with me.
Thank
you for loving me.
Thank
you for letting me love you in return.
Your
Valentine, Daniel Hinojosa
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