What would you tell yourself 10 years ago?

  That blonde California girl you meet this next school year will the pillar of grace in your life. The poem you recite to her in The Valley will be far more pivotal in your life than it will feel in the moment. Far more than a beautiful girl you crush on, your story together will be one that will wreck you on some days, but heal what is broken in you on most others.

If you are reading this a couple years from now, secret be told, she does love you. She will not admit that to you for several more years, but trust me.

Pursue her. You will want to. You will. Love her more. Love her through.

Through your parents' divorces. Through your past. Through your fears. Through your waiting. Love her through.

You want me to write you and tell you she will be your wife. You want me to write you and tell you there will be a day she will mother your beautiful daughter. You want me to tell you the future that I already know and am currently living.

But you do not get the future. You will miss the story you will one day love and I love so much now.

Open your eyes wide, and do not change a thing.

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Happy Anniversary to my wife of 7 years, and my best friend of more than a decade!