“These are promises that are renewed every day, but as great as it is to express them verbally, it’s even greater to express them with a lifetime of love-driven action.”
-Paul Johnson

Three years in the eyes of society, more than three years since we knew this was to be, and nine years since I laid eyes on her. Ah, the wedding anniversary.

I cannot help but re-watch this video on this day each year, or even every month. Our story is a wild and beautiful one, filled with an elopement journey out west, a canyon wedding complete with live music and tourists out of the frame, an amazing reception at home with our loved ones, and so much more. This wonderful video (by Julia and Thomas of Electric Peak Creative with music by Canyon City) serves as a great reminder of what I should always be aiming for in my quest to be the best that I can possibly be for April, our families, and every one of you who we are more than fortunate to call our friends.

This past year has been beyond our expectations in every way.

In my mind, it’s resembled the journey of a fragile but capable sailboat at sea, at times struggling to stay afloat in the most treacherous of storms, sure to sink, and at other times, humming right along— gliding at the pace of the sun, the wind, and the world. Life’s constant challenges are still showing themselves like clockwork, and yet all I have to do is look to my side to see the best sailing partner there ever was, and suddenly I’m okay again. I’m not perfect myself, but she broke her vow and took in another cat while I was on the road a while back, so we’re even. 😉

For any of you who may not currently have a significant other in the way society deems fit, I want you to know that you are loved.

Not a sympathy kind of love, but a pure love. If you feel lonely, reach out and let’s hang out. I may not be your life partner in this sense, and I may not truly fill any void you may feel, but I’ll surely keep you company and love you as best I can. I can at least hug you and try to make you laugh or smile by making fun of myself, or you can be there while April shares with you all my most embarrassing stories, like that time when I….nevermind. All of you deserve all the love in the world, and if you desire companionship, I’m confident your lifelong love is out there, soon to change the trajectory of your life, just as she was for me. Happy three, April. You aight, girl. Thanks for being there for me.