A Testament To Our Love

Written for the most wonderful man in the entire world....my husband, Chris.

When we met just over five years ago, I had no idea what would come our way. I didn't know I would marry you someday or that the simple meeting of us as young camp counselors would lead us to falling madly and deeply in love. I knew one thing though. I knew we'd be friends...which was remarkable because you were the only man I'd ever truly felt comfortable around. And I believe that our friendship is truly the testament to our love.

Christopher, you are not only husband and my love, but my very best friend. You are the only one I want when something breaks my heart and you are the first one that I tell when something joyous enters in. You love me unconditionally despite the fact that I can be difficult or very emotional. For that, I am so grateful and blessed to be your wife and to call you my best friend.

Shortly after we met, I knew we were going to share something more than simply friendship. Sure enough shortly after we shared our first kiss, you gave me a promise ring and told me of your intent to marry me. I was awed and floored and while I was excited, was unsure of whether or not you'd be reliable. But you were...even after I'd broken up with you. You came back to me even when I had turned my back on us.

You kept your word. You bought me another beautiful ring a year and a half later and then a few months later purchased an engagement ring and you asked my father for permission to marry me. One summer day, you asked me what I'd wish for, if I had just one wish. I told you I wanted to marry you and grow old with you. As I strolled on, you touched my shoulder and turned me around to find you dropping to one knee and asking me to be in "your wedding" which was so darling. I cried and cried. You placed that special ring on my left hand. Then we rejoiced and made plans with our families and friends.

July 11, 2008, we became man and wife. We celebrated the gift of love that God has blessed us with. We united as a cord of three, intending to let God be the third person in our marriage, because we knew we couldn't do it on our own. And we finally consummated our marriage, having been waiting for a long time to do it according to His will for us. When it hurt me, you patiently loved me and comforted me until we as two were able to become truly one. We continued on in our marriage and we grew, you learned to pray for me, comfort me, and I learned how to show you that I loved you.

Even through some medical scares and struggles, you were strong. When you had to have surgery and I was so scared, you told me that this would make us stronger. You were so right. When my eating disorder flared up, and I went into some of the most difficult days and darkest times of my life, you told me I was beautiful and that you loved me just because I was me. You did the hardest things at times, when you feared for my life and health, and you put your foot down with me. You learned how to be the head of our household and I learned to submit as God had called me to do.

We celebrated our two year anniversary quickly this past summer and God blessed us in ways that we could not have imagined. He gave us a sweet child that we named Samantha. When I was terrified, you calmed my fears and warmed my heart by telling me that God would provide for us and our baby. And when my heart broke in ways that it never had before and hurt more than I knew was possible, you held me and loved me and comforted me. You were a strong and much needed spiritual head of our house in the days and weeks following. And still today, six weeks after losing our little baby, you have stood by my side and calmed me. You have comforted me. You have loved me.

Christopher, I'm sorry to say that I haven't been the kind of wife that I believe you deserve but that I am so blessed to be your wife. You know this but I'll say it again, if today were our wedding day, I'd marry you all over again. I love you. Thank you for loving me. We will get through this and someday we will enter into another season of joy. I am so blessed by you and I thank God for you...my best friend, my lover, my husband.

~Shannon