I was sitting here today. Thinking of a great many things. Looking through old writings for wisdom and insight, when I came across one that wasn’t mine. It was something my husband had written. Words from a time of great pain that he had shared with me months after. And I re-read them again, reliving that time, but this time through his eyes.

And as I read these words, I realized how blessed I am to know this side of him. A side that only a very rare few get to witness. My husband is often seen to be this light-hearted, free-spirit, and strong man. One with convictions who stands behind them. One who deals with difficult situations with laughter, and who laughs louder than the rest during the good times. One who will do whatever needs to be done. Who takes care of his family and loved ones.

But then there is this side. The soft side. The one that sees more deeply than he ever lets on. The one that has keen insights into what’s really going on. The one that feels deeply, in spite of the laughter, in spite of the smile that sometimes covers up the pain.

He is a gem, this man of mine. A rare, beautiful, wonderful to behold gem. And I, I am the lucky one. Lucky enough to not only get to hold this jewel and call it my own but I am blessed to see these little insights into who he is. I get to see more than just his shiny exterior but I get to peer into the cavalcade of sparkling prisms within. The many sides that comprise the whole.

How blessed I am that he shares his whole being with me. That I get to see all that he is. Not just the happy, laughing, stern and strong man, but also the man who sees and thinks and feels deeply. It is a gift to be allowed to experience and witness the many facets of a man, and his shine brighter and more vibrantly than many a man that has ever existed.

How blessed I am to call him mine.

Happy Anniversary sweetheart! I love you more than I ever dreamed possible!