I love you.
It has been one year since we have met. One trip around the sun. You say you noticed me the first day I walked into our formation, but I was wandering aimlessly still. At least I was until I got to know you. I was just another nervous body trying to adapt to the changes that come with moving across the country to start a career. I remember looking around and seeing all the faces I would get to know in the next five months, not knowing the impact some of them would have on me. Friends that would help me compartmentalize the pain of losing and continue mission when it was time for me to lead, friends that would sit me down on a log to motivate me when I wanted to quit – just to name a few. Little did I know that you would be the one with the greatest impact, someone who I looked past on that very first day.
Love is patient.
My first memory of you
As we are sitting outside of audiology in the hot sun, I am the last to make my way inside. I remember sitting out on the benches nervously fiddling with my silicon ring until it was time to head indoors. I sat on the last seat and see you for the first time. We somehow ended up sitting next to each other and I strike up a conversation about my love for taco bell, you immediately disagree. Our first of many debates.
You make me better
Before meeting you, I hardly recognized myself anymore. I was the “meet the minimum requirement” kind of person. I was content with settling with every aspect in life. Months had gone by and we became attached at the hip, a very unlikely duo. The best of friends. Before I know it, I am seeing you for breakfast on weekends and going over to study. Before I know it, I am in love with you. A lot happened in between breakfast and falling in love. A concussion, a compass keychain, months of legal work, hundred of miles of rucking, and 4 months of being away from each other. You have seen me fall and you have seen me rise. We have endured a lot as individuals and as a team, but it is all nothing without you by my side. I wake up every morning with this calmness because I know that I can take the long days off with you. I know that at my darkest and at my brightest, you are standing in the light and the end of the tunnel.
Time
Time never really stood a chance with us, did it? C.S. Lewis once said, “Love is never wasted, for its value does not rest upon reciprocity”. You may have loved me first, but know that my love for you is infinite now. There is no expiration date.
Love is kind.
Questions
Would you like some tea? Would you like some coffee? Are you hungry?
Statements
There is a high protein coffee, a banana, and oatmeal for you. I got you this keychain. Mariposa. Black coffee and a water. Egg white omelettes.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
B, I am proud of your accomplishments. I feel lucky to be by your side while you tackle the world. I want to endure the bad things with you and I want to be by your side when you inevitably succeed any goal you wish to meet. I would rather say I am sorry and swallow my pride rather than lose time with you.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
We always find our way back with open arms.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
We are brutally honest and it seems as though every time we are, we only grow.
I love you more.
Inside these lines 