“I did it all. I did it all. I owned every second that this world could give. I saw so many places. The things that I did…with every broken bone, I swear I lived.” ~ I Lived, One Republic

My Dear Partner and Friend, I dedicate this post to you.

I used to think that life was just going to be filled with pain and trauma because that’s most of what I’ve experienced in life. I thought that perhaps my life would never be joyous and beautiful.

Then I met you.

The first time I met you, our pastor introduced us at an Ash Wednesday service…and you were talking about running. I remember your smile–how you looked at me. How you had trouble standing still and your mind seemed so busy.

But your eyes were kind and gentle, and I wanted to know more about you.

My first impression was that you’d been through so much in life but you refused to let that break you.

You choose to live life to the fullest even when it’s painful. You have found beauty and joy in this life and I’ve never loved someone as much as I love you.

When you hug me, I feel safe. When you kiss me, all the chaos in my head stops for just a moment. You hold my hand, and I feel like we can conquer anything that comes our way. Love is such a strange thing. I don’t know if I’m losing my mind, but for once in my life I feel like everything is going to be ok.

You have taught me that in a world marred by continuous heart break, trauma, and mass shootings, there is love.

In a world filled with people who betray you, moments that break you, and a world that’s all turned upside down, there is love. So don’t you dare stop living your life with all you’ve got.

My dear, you have taught me how to live. And I can’t wait to see what the rest of life holds…

On Saturday, November 11, 2017, you will run your first marathon. And I’ll be there to cheer you on. Yes, I’ll probably be crying.