Hey love.

More times than I can count, I’ve heard you tell the story about how we met and how it was love at first sight. In tropical Tonga. Just like Leonardo and Claire peering through the fishtank, only instead it was the cereal aisle at Molisi’s. You were charismatic and beautiful, and beguiling. And of course, you still are. But far more importantly, you are also tenacious, intrepid, passionate, compassionate, clever, and virtuous. Of course I loved you then, but the reason I will always love you is because I know you aren’t afraid to face the unknown, the daunting, and the impossible. You’re happy to take on a challenge, and never shy from considering and supporting the zaniest ideas.

I promise to do the same for you. I promise that there will be another million times that I will ask questions that sound like I’m disagreeing, but I will have your back every time. I promise to always listen and think about what you’re saying and feeling, and that I will always try to remember to communicate what I’m understanding and misunderstanding. I promise to celebrate all your successes like they are my own, and share the burden of every challenge even when you don’t want me to. I promise when you’re frustrated, or I’m frustrated, or you’re frustrated that I’m frustrated, and I’m frustrated that you're frustrated that I’m frustrated, I will still give you loving hugs.

The Greek stoic Epictetus said, “If you would be a reader, read; if a writer, write.” I say, if you would be a lover, love. I won’t always get it right, but I promise to always try and do it as you wish.