A Stroll Down Memory Lane…

About ten years ago I wrote my wife a letter to celebrate our life together. Today we celebrate our 26th wedding anniversary and I thought it was worth a reprint for a larger audience. Nadine, I love you. Thank you for making the past 26 years the best of my life. Come with me; let’s take a stroll down memory lane…

Dearest Nadine,

I can hardly imagine my life without you in it. When I consider all that is right and good and holy in my world I see you there. Your love for me has been the grace of God to me in my darkest days. You have taught me how to live and how to laugh. You have brought joy to the life of this intense boy, man and now old man. I love you Nadine. You are priceless and precious to me. I have never been loved by anyone the way you love me. I often wonder why I am so blessed. God has been very good to me and you are the best example of His goodness.

So much has happened in the past 20 years. I remember God telling me you were the one and a cute girl asking me to the prom this very day 20 years ago. I can remember our first dance and our first kiss. You were so beautiful that day at your sister’s. As the years went on your Dad never made things easy but you were always worth it and besides I can understand him better now! I remember buying an engagement ring and the joy of placing it on your finger. Wow… I love you so. I can see, even now in my minds eye, the most beautiful bride ever to walk down an aisle. I remember whipped cream fights and learning that whipped cream removes paint from freshly painted walls. I remember the joy of discovering that I would be a Dad and seeing that little face for the first time. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being father to both Lisa and Tommy. I remember seeing you in the hallway after Tommy was born and telling you that you did good! I remember a wife who had enough faith in her God and her husband to leave behind all that was safe and familiar to follow my dream and God’s call to West Virginia.

Nadine the past five years have been the hardest of our lives yet the best because I love you more today then ever before. I love you more now that I ever dreamed I could love. I know how much you have suffered and I see all your sacrifice. The way you support me is beyond my ability to understand yet I am so very grateful. I could never make it without you. If the Lord tarries and he is gracious to us, we may have another 50 years together. I can think of no other women on this planet that I would rather spend these next five decades with. Would you grace me by stating at my side? I know the road behind us has been rough and the road ahead seems just as hard, but together we are sure to make it.

Nadine; thank you for make the last 20 years the best 20 years. Thank you for loving God and loving me. Thank you for Lisa and Tommy. They are amazing kids. I am so proud of them and they reflect the best of who you are. Thank you for believing in me when I can’t and kicking me in the butt when I won’t. Thank you for being who you are and for being mine. This one thing I want you to always remember, that no matter what happens or where we go or what we do… I will always be…

Forever Yours,
Tom

© Tom Zawacki 2007