For all eternity...

THEN (July 1999)

NOW ( April 2008)
9 YEARS...Has it really been that long? It feels like yesterday...and I still feel like a newlywed. I am still living my fairytale ending...Disney's got nothin' on what we've got. Gav~ the following poem explains it all. I love you forever!!

Thank You For Being You ~ poetry by Paula Finn

One of the greatest gifts of our relationship is the comfort of knowing I can always be myself with you, and you will accept me for being just that. With you, I never have to laugh when I feel like crying, Or be quiet when I need to talk, Or stay calm when I feel like getting upset, Or sound positive when I need to complain. The greatest comfort is the knowledge that when I need a friend... I never have to be alone. In sharing our fears, we become bolder. In sharing our losses, we become richer. In sharing our mistakes, we become wiser. In sharing ourselves, we become closer. Our lives were meant to be shared. It's so comforting to share the events of my day with you- The little things I know you'll find funny, or touching, or interesting, Only because they happened to me. You know when I need your help or advice, And when I just need to know that you care. It's not often that we feel safe enough with another person to shed our defenses, And to risk being completely ourselves- To show them they are important in our life, And that we would be so much less without them. I NEED YOU... And I trust you enough to tell you. You listen to me without judging, You support me without pressuring, You appreciate me as I am without comparing me to what I am not. You encourage me in my goals and dreams, And validate my struggles to fulfill them... You are so easy to talk to so easy to feel close to, And so easy to love. Your support has deepened my self-confidence, Your humor has brightened my outlook, And your encouragement has brought me closer than ever to my dreams. Always, you've been there to listen, to understand... And to help me grow. Your support adds so much to my life. You share my joy as if it were your own. You feel my pain and you cry with me. Thank you for understanding me, accepting me, and loving me as I am. It sounds so simple but it means so much to say- I feel comfortable with you. I don't have to worry about how I look to you, Or sound to you, Or what you're going to think about me when I'm not around. I don't have to rehearse or analyze our conversations- When we talk, I can relax. I feel comfortable around you. It sounds so simple...but it means so much. You know when I want to be serious; You know when I need to be playful. When I'm with you I am free to express my true mood. If I am not feeling happy, or positive, or energetic, I don't have to act or pretend that I am. You support my goals, while accepting my faults. You love the person I am. Your accepting nature has helped me to treat others and myself more gently. You concentrate on my good points while overlooking my flaws, And you can always find something in me to praise. You are so thoughtful. You give me much more than is expected, And you expect much less than you deserve. You are strong enough to admit your weaknesses, Brave enough to express your fears, Free enough to laugh and human enough to cry. My life is enriched in so many ways by your presence, For in you I have found the friend I've always wanted... And the love I'll always need. Together, we've laughed and cried, Shared sunshine and storms... We've celebrated carefree days, And helped each other through the long troubled nights. Your support has made my triumphs more meaningful, And my losses easier to bear. I will praise you when you win, And share your pain if you lose... Always, I will accept you for who you are And not for how much or little you achieve. I will strive to bring out the best in you while forgiving your faults. I won't expect perfection in either of us. In the tomorrows we share, I pray that I can be sensitive to your needs, Understanding of your concerns, Patient with your mistakes, And comforting of your pain... That I can give as much of myself as you need... And all the love that you deserve. With you life is exciting. With you I can be myself. With you I feel appreciated. With you I have fun. With you I am happier than I have ever been. Thank you for being you.