I never really know where to begin these letters to you. I have so many emotions and memories in my bank, I have a hard time putting them all together to help you reflect on our past. I do this every year on our anniversary and I hope that you never get tired of it.

Nine years ago, we met online in a chat room. Our relationship took off in flight and we were fast friends. We continued to grow close to one another and we learned things about each other that allowed us to build a relationship that is impenetrable. We were the stereotypical lesbian couple and of course, we were packing U-Haul trucks just three months later. I will never forget the moment you asked me to come live with you. At that time, we we were still living in different states, but you had come to Iowa to see me (as you did every weekend). We were in Dally’s, our little bar in Des Moines, and we were talking about the living situation. Our conversation silenced for a bit and when I turned to you, you simply said in an innocent and sincere tone, “Do you wanna come live with me?” This was all just reassurance that loving you so quickly was not a mistake.

So, we began our life together and it’s been a pretty damn good ride for the past nine years. We have most certainly gone through our fair share of differences and difficulties. We have traveled together, shared our families with one another, and tried to begin our own family. Our relationship has been so solid and we have never wavered. I did not think that I could possibly love you any more. But then, we shared something so incredibly amazing and sad, that my love for you grew in ways that you will never know, and I will never be able to tell you. When Ava was born, we both changed immediately. But when we lost her, we also lost a part of ourselves. A new chapter of our lives opened up and I think we both realized that what we have is truly something that can’t be said for many people.

You have taught me things about myself that I never knew. You have helped to change me into the person I am today. You are kind, considerate, affectionate, humorous, beautiful, simple, and just you. You have allowed me to be vulnerable in ways that I would never even allow myself. I look into your eyes and see a different person than I saw nine years ago. However, as you and I have both changed over the years, our love has changed into what it is today. I would never, and could never take that for granted. I love you with all of my heart and can not wait to spend my remaining years on this earth, with you by my side.

We’ve got a good thing, kid. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.

My love,
-your favorite