To Jack

I've been trying to keep this blog as politically correct as possible. I keep my distance from ferocious stances on politics, economic matters, or religion. I talk about the events of my life without incriminating anyone or unnecessarily singling anyone out.

Except now. Insert "Jaws" theme here!

I need to post a love letter (of sorts) to Jack. Before you get all nauseous, here me out. He's been my supporter, my encourager, and my faith-builder for ten whole years now. We're approaching eight years of marriage and he's been a constant in my life for ten years (and a player in my life for fifteen). If you commonly experience uncontrollably gagging sounds when you watch extremely cheesy movies, consider yourself warned about the upcoming cheesiness quotient!

Dear Jack:

I'm not sure how to start letters like this. How do you possibly tell someone how much they mean to you? How do you find words to encapsulate deep feelings the heart can barely grasp?

First, I want to thank you. Thank you for being YOU. You embody servant leadership principles and I've learned so much from watching you in your own career. Thank you for putting up with my long hours and incessant study habits. If my late-night studies and absurd dedication to school work annoyed you, you didn't show it. Thank you for having dinner on the table (most nights!) when I returned from class. Thank you for shouldering more than your fair share of the chores, shopping, and other household responsibilities. I couldn't have made it through my insane schedule without your support in these ways.

Second, thank you for encouraging me when I felt like I could not go on. As you know, I had several moments where the sheer weight of my responsibilities threatened to overwhelm me. You had the wisdom and insight to help me see beyond the immediate struggles and to visualize the long term. From you, I learned how to take one moment at a time, conquering the challenge in front of me. You taught me how to look at the big picture as a reflection and in a planning capability...but in the heat of the moment, it's crucial to stay in the present moment.

Third, thank you for enabling me to go after my dreams. I've never met someone who readily encouraged me to achieve whatever my heart seeks. You encouraged me to keep God at the helm while giving this life everything I can. Through our life experiences, we've learned the importance of 'carpe diem' and live this principle whole-heartedly.

Even though I'm moving away to pursue another one of my life's dreams, you will be with me the whole time. It is because of you that I have the courage to embark upon this journey; your strength and wisdom will help sustain me. We've built a life together and even though I'll live 100 miles away, you will be my first thought when I wake up in the morning and my last thought as I drift into sleep. You keep me safe and to me, "home" is wherever Jack is. I love you.
Forever,

Dorrie

PS, I hope our cell phones don't burn out prematurely, from all the calls and texts you are sure to receive from me!

PPS, what happens when we have a big, tornado-spawning thunderstorm? Can you beam yourself to Chicagoland and keep me safe? Is this when I should know to take cover in an interior hallway or bathtub!? Oh crap! Time to brush up on my Weather Channel!