I couldn’t think of a better way to proclaim my undying love and devotion to you than announcing it somewhere for the entire world to see. Sure, I could have spent $29.99 on a dozen roses and had them sent to you at your office so your co-workers would notice. I could have given you a greeting card with someone else’s thoughts and sentiments that would be placed on the fireplace mantle for the next few weeks until the next time it needed to be dusted. I even considered a box of expensive chocolate that you could keep for yourself. Each of these gestures felt like little more than a token of my affection that was designed to satisfy a need in me to do something for my lovely wife on Valentine’s Day.

My Struggles~Our Journey

It has been a little over four years since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Each step of this journey, you have been by my side. You have given me comfort when I needed it most, encouragement when I was having a difficult time doing the simplest of tasks and hope when I thought all was lost. These last few years, I have been the recipient of your “for better or worse” promise that you made to me so many years ago. I know that I have compounded your fears when I would go for a late-night bicycle ride or even an early morning walk leaving you with the thought that you might have to rescue me. You were willing to let me do what I loved to do so that I could retain a measure of normalcy in my life. For that, I am forever grateful.

Through it all, you have challenged me to do so much more than just survive this condition, you encouraged me to thrive in spite of it. You have fortified my desire share one of my gifts. It is because of you, I am willing to share this very private part of my life with others.

Because of you, I know that this year, 2016, will be the best year ever.

Your Husband and Best Friend for Life.