Letters To My Wife

My darling wife – I’ve never called you that, but I like the way it sounds when you read it out loud. Where do I begin? I suppose the beginning is the best place to start. Our story is unique – not just because of our 17-year age gap, but because I have never loved anyone the way I love you.

Our story begins in 2016 with Angie, Leo, and Walter at a bar in West Town, and from there, moves quickly. Not long after we began talking and spending time together, we were on our first trip to New York – and this is where, “infatuatedly in love”, truly began. Our time in New York was so much fun and that was the first time I met Brandon, since he was filming, The OA. It’s kind of funny that Brandon was the first son I met, considering Mike and Jordan were both living near Chicago. But that’s just how life worked out. I remember being a bit nervous meeting Brandon because I wondered what he would think about our age gap, but in true Brandon fashion he was kind, polite, and we got along.

On our last day together in New York – just under five hours before my flight back to Chicago – we stood on the outdoor patio of a bar overlooking New York City. That’s where we had conversation about our feelings for each other. At first, we couldn’t describe it. I don’t think we said, “I love you” yet, but I remember feeling infatuated with you – and you felt the same. I even looked up what the word meant: to be infatuated with someone means, to have an intense, overwhelming, and often unreasoning passion for them, characterized by a strong but not necessarily lasting feeling of love or attraction. We both agreed that’s exactly what it was and I said, “that would be a cool tattoo”. Less than an hour, we were in an Uber heading to the nearest tattoo shop in New York City.

That was nearly to nine years ago, my love – and we have been married for almost nine years. Infatuation by definition is supposed to be short lived – it wasn’t necessarily meant to last. But still is accurately described that moment in our lives. And in some ways, it was true. Because while my infatuation for you is still there, it has grown into something far greater – something greater and more meaningful.

My infatuation for you has evolved into love – a love that continues to grow. It has bonded us together ever since that time in New York City.

Since then, you’ve been the instigator of all our adventures; you have shown me the world! I was lost, but you became my compass. You’ve magnetized positivity and love into my life and helped me grow in ways I never imagined.

If I hadn’t turned my car back around to meet Leo, Angie, and Walter at that bar that night, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. Without you, I am lost!

You are my last partner in this life. You are my guide, my anchor, and my home.

With love,

Your husband!