Love Is....11 years

Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be
When our time has come
We will be as one
God bless our love
God bless our love
Grow old along with me
Two branches on one tree
Face the setting sun
When the day is done
God bless our love
God bless our love
Spending our lives together
Man and wife together
World without end
World without end
Grow old along with me
Whatever fate decrees
We will see it through
For our love is true
God bless our love
God bless our love

I love the words that John Lennon wrote, and didn't realize it was his lyrical beauty until looking at the fine print on a Peter Breinholdt CD and saw his name next to songwriter.

I look back and think of what I thought love was during my teen and young adulthood years compared to now. It wasn't until I met The Doc and dated him did I understand the meaning of love. That deep in the pit of your stomach, makes me melts like chocolate, don't want to let go, hold on tight with all of your might, together hand in hand, side-by-side, two trees facing the same setting sun, in for the long haul, dig the roots deep to weather any storms, at home and peaceful feeling all wrapped into one emotion. That is love.

Do you remember the Love Is... cartoons? I remember them very well from my childhood. Here is my own Love Is... tribute to The Doc, but without the drawings, and all based on our relationship.

Love Is.....

- asking a girl you are dating if you can give her a goodnight kiss after they had been dating over a month.

- sticking with a girl even though she was skittish and apprehensive about a "serious" relationship

- marrying a girl in the temple

- encouraging and supporting a girl to finish her college education and obtain 2 bachelor degrees. (and encouraging her to pursue more if she so desires.)

- holding and comforting a girl as she laid sobbing curled in a fetal position devastated after a tragedy.

- dropping to your knees in prayer during the middle of a Wyoming snow storm following a car accident asking God for help

- making every effort, even rearranging his schedule to be present at the birth of each of his four children

- being a worthy priesthood holder and bestowing a name blessing each of his fourth children

- doing the laundry, cooking, and other household duties when his wife is sick or otherwise overwhelmed with four children

- supporting his wife as she battles postpartum depression, being a beacon of light, hope and faith for her during a trying and dark time.

- tending four children so that a girl can have three days away from her everyday life and recharge

- still being able to make a girl weak in the knees, have goosebumps, and melt like chocolate with all his kisses

- being her best friend, and listening to her corny jokes

- smiling when a girl makes a mistake, kissing her forehead, and saying "It's ok, we'll get it next time."

- having patience, and reminding a girl "There is no such thing as YOUR problems. They are OUR problems. We are in this together, and you need not face anything alone."

- helping a girl strive for her potential, make the weak things strong, and face her fears.

- looking at a girl, even though her body has been changed and marred by childbearing, as though she is the only thing in the room and telling her she is the most radiant, beautiful creature he has ever laid eyes on.

- when a girl puts herself down, and the boy replies "Please don't talk about my wife or eternal companion that way."

- telling his children to love, revere and respect their mother

- having a twinkle in your eye, spring in your step, and being able to still be silly and goofy after 11 years of marriage.

Thank you for all the memories, the discovery, and this beautiful journey and I look forward experiencing so much more with you!