In some aspects, it’s hard to believe we’ve been married for 7 years already. In other ways, it seems like there’s never been a time when I haven’t known you and loved you. You are my best friend, my beautiful wife and I cannot imagine my life without you. God blessed me so much when He gave you to me, you’re more than I ever deserved and more than I ever dreamed for and hoped for.

In the Bible, the number 7 typically represents completion and perfection. Over the last 7 years, we’ve grown and we’ve changed, yet our love has remained. Although things have been far from perfect (and by ‘things’ I mainly mean me), I want you to know that my love for you has grown with each passing day.

A “wise man” (a.k.a. your dad) once said, “life isn’t all about sex and pleasure… it’s a lot of hard work”. Even though we’ve laughed about that over the years, he was right. This past year has certainly been difficult. We’ve been forced to drastically change the carefree life we once knew and become responsible parents to the cutest little boy in the world. But through all the sleepless nights and trying days, it’s been amazing to see the incredible mommy I knew you’d always be.

I love you Carrie, so, so much! You are patient, loving, gracious, gentle and kind… more than I could ever hope to be. At the same time, you’re funny, witty, silly and sarcastic… all the qualities needed for survival with me. Thank you for being the best mommy and the best wife in the world. Thank you for 7 wonderful years and here’s hoping for 70 more! I love you baby.

“I Will Be Here” by Steven Curtis Chapman

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I… I will be here

If in the dark we lose sight of love
Hold my hand and have no fear
‘Cause I… I will be here

I will be here…
When you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to crying
Through the winning and losing and trying
We’ll be together
‘Cause I will be here

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I… I will be here

As sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
I… I will be here

I will be here…
And you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we’re older
I will hold you

And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here

I will be true
To the promise I have made
To you and to the One
Who gave you to me

I… I will be here

And just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I…
I will be here…
We’ll be together

I will be here.