One Year

Dear Courtney,

They tell me that the first wedding anniversary the “paper anniversary”. By now you have already opened the three boxes of paper note cards I bought for you, and you have read the paper card I bought that was enclosed in a paper envelope. But, for me a guy that spends the majority of my time away from you (and if I am being honest…a good portion of our together time) NOT using paper, I thought it would be fitting for that card to send you here to read my anniversary note.

When people ask me, “Austin, what have you learned since you got married?” I usually respond with a joke: “Well, I learned that I really care a whole lot about what side of the roll the toilet paper hangs. I never knew how important toilet paper hanging was to me before I got married.” I respond that way to people because I know they don’t really have time to hear all of the things I learned in the last year. (And everyone likes a good joke.)

Here is what they don’t have time hear:

• When it rained everyday on our honeymoon I learned that saying, “Well, at least we aren’t at work,” isn’t the best way to comfort you.
• When I lost my job last Fall I learned that you are more of a teammate than I could have ever imagined.
• When we moved into our new house I learned that you can carry heavier things than I give you credit for.
• When you imitate me to our friends I learned that you are pretty funny. (Never fear..I am still the funny one.)
• When I got serious about getting healthy I learned that you were willing to radically change your own life to help me
• When my grandmother passed away I learned that you love my family as much as I do.
• When I hurt your feelings I learned that you are forgiving and love me anyway.
• When finances got tight I learned that you were willing to cut the budget to the bone without complaining.

And, that is just a snippet of the things I learned this year. The most important thing I learned is that you are funnier, smarter, more loving, and more beautiful everyday.

I am so grateful I can share my life with you. Happy 1st Anniversary.

Love,

Me