My Dearest Paul,
It wasn’t long ago when we used to walk the trails hand-in-hand dreaming about our future together. We made so many plans, dreamed big dreams, and laughed until our eyes watered. Oh, how I long to go back to those simpler times, to feel your arm tightly around my hips with no pain, free to run and skip and act like a care-free child again.
Life has not gone as we planned or hoped. Trials have been plentiful, illness has been relentless, and chronic pain has rocked our world. Our faith has been tested and our commitment has been tried. Some days, many days, it felt like sorrow far outweighed our joy.
But you, Babe, you were my rock. You were our family’s rock. When the enemy tried to defeat us, you took a stand in the name of Jesus. You grew, you prayed, and you persevered. When chronic pain rendered me helpless, you stepped in and did far more than your share. You made me feel capable and you gave me strength and courage to press on. When the many burdens and stresses of life weighed me down, you held your head high and turned to the Lord.
Please, Paul, don’t ever doubt your abilities or your worth. I do not tell you enough how proud I am of you and all of the work that you do. I am so incredibly thankful for how hard you work and how devoted you are.
Remember that verse we carved into wood for our engagement pictures? “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7 ESV). We didn’t know at the time how meaningful this verse would become. But, I rejoice now because your love has endured like Jesus. You truly have loved just like this verse commands—you’ve bore our many burdens and endured, always full of belief and hope.
I am so blessed to call such a strong and faithful man my husband. You and the many ways you love us do not go unnoticed. I see you, I love you, and I’m praying for you.
Love,
Sydney
