Western Fair

Between the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget what’s most important in life…love. Whether it’s love between your parents, a close friend or a partner, love is what makes the world go around. This letter is to my best friend, my rock, my number one supporter, my everything… my beautiful husband, Derek. I can’t believe we’ve been married for 12 years (and together for almost 16).

Even though you lost my number after the first time we met and then “stood” me up on our first-date (you claimed that you fell asleep), here we are 16 years later. No one said it was going to be easy, but nothing that brings pure joy ever is. We haven’t had a fairy-tale romance that we dream of when we’re little, nor do we have that Hollywood love affair that most fantasize of, but we make it work. We have a real marriage that works for us. It hasn’t been perfect, it differently hasn’t been easy, and it for sure hasn’t been all butterflies and rainbows, but life isn’t perfect, life isn’t easy, and life isn’t always pleasant. We’ve built a life together based on honesty and trust.

Through house hunting and mortgages, new careers and layoffs, deaths and lost friends, you’ve always been there. From all the ups and downs, highs and lows, you’ve been there one step of the way. You’ve been my anchor, my rock and the one person I can rely on the most. It takes two people to make a marriage work, through the difficult times and best of times, you’re always there.

They said everyone has a moment of the day they look forward to the most, and for me, my favourite time of day is when I’m with you. We don’t have to be doing anything in particular, but no matter how sad, angry or upset I’m feeling, you can always make me laugh and put a smile on my face. Thank you for always being on my side, no matter if I’m right or wrong. Thanks for creating daily adventures that I look forward to reminiscing about when we’re older. Thank you for being the one I can count on, without judgment or fear. Thank you for understanding my darkest fears and embracing my biggest dreams.