Six years ago today, this wonderful, amazing, meant-to-be miracle happened:
To my most wonderful husband, Georges:
You make every day special, even the ordinary days. Because of you, I have a reason to smile and feel happy every single day. I never thought I would ever have that with anyone, but now I do... WE do.
You make me feel beautiful, every day. You look at me, and I see my best self reflected in your eyes. What a gift that is! I look at you, and I see kindness, humor, intelligence and most of all, love. I am so blessed to have you in my life, and that I get to be in yours.
As we enter our seventh year (going on 8, since we actually met on that miraculous, crazy first date), we are still learning about each other. As with all relationships, changing circumstances around us - the good and the not-so-good - reveal different facets of our personalities: how we cope, how we thrive, where we need to support and be supported. I'm really proud of how, no matter what, we make our love the center of it all, and we lean on that love even on difficult days. That's a gift, too. I love knowing we are always there for each other, a soft place to fall. Your arms are always where I want to be most.
In this past year, I became French, voted for the first time in France, and started working in France for the first time. I became an Accidental Activist, trying to save the historic center of Paris from thoughtless tourism. As I jumped (or crawled over) each new hurdle, you have been right there with me, guiding me, helping me navigate, giving me strength when I needed it most. I couldn't have done any of this if you weren't a willing partner and participant.
Our family has changed in the past couple of years: our older "kids" are out in the world trying to make their way, and our youngest is no longer a little boy, but a growing jeune homme of nearly 13. Part of what I love about you is how you are able and willing to encourage your children to grow and become independent, even though I know how much you miss having them all around. When you get to spend time with your kids, you light up inside, and I love that. You're a wonderful father, and I love that, too. Thank you for sharing your wonderful children with me and for giving me a chance to be a part-time mother.
We still have many years of adventures ahead of us, things to discover about ourselves, challenges to tackle, and most importantly we have unlimited unconditional love to share with each other, the kids and our families. I can't wait for each new day because we get to spend it together. Thank you for your love and for our life together.
Happy 6th Anniversary, mon coeur,
Your Forever Lisa
