Sunday, March 18, 2007

12 Years I Haven't Deserved...

Twelve years ago today Jennifer and I were married. The whole thing was such a blur that thankfully we have these photos to help me remember. Those poor souls who are unfortunate enough to frequent this blog know that I, on occasion, poke fun at my lovely wife. However I would like the world to know that she is without question the greatest inspiration, blessing and friend I have ever known. Our twelve years together have not always been easy, but it has always been worth it, for me. I have never understood what could possibly have brought this amazing woman into my life. She has always been my greatest ally and cheerleader, even when she thought I was doing something completely insane. I would like to take a few minutes to tell her, and you, some of the things I love most about her, because I don't do it enough. Plus now its on record and she can go back and read it again the next time she feels picked on!
My wife puts up with and on occasion even encourages my insane love of sports. When we first met she claimed to be a big sports fan, and she was, for a girl. I don't think she could have ever imagined how involved I was in sports. I have millions of useless trivial facts floating around in my brain, 70% of them are sports related. One of my favorite things is Sportscenter, especially in the morning. It never ceases to amaze Jennifer that I can watch the same episode two or three times in succession with out going insane. This picture is from our trip to the World Series in Phoenix. I love that I was able to share that day with her, and that the Diamondbacks were able to beat the evil henchmen of Lord Stienbrenner! Whether it has been as an athlete (I use that term loosely) or spectator, my wife has always been willing to support me. She doesn't always think its such a great idea, but she supports me. One of my greatest joys is playing and having my wife and kids there to watch, it means more to me than I can say. I think it somehow validates to me that I am important to them, I know it sounds silly, but I am a silly boy.
Jennifer is the best wife and mother I could have ever hoped for. Over the years I have watched her suppress her own wishes and desires to make sure that my children and I could be happy. She is the most selfless person I know, which may not sound that amazing considering my circle of friends. She is always focused on our family and ways to make it better. She has given me years worth of reading about parenting and having a gospel centered family, someday I may even read some of it. She is always trying to make us better, not by criticizing or mockery (my preferred methods) but through patience, love and example. Whatever good there is in my children, whatever good may become of them, is all due to the influence of their mother. I hope that as they grow (pay attention Sara) that they will recognize and cherish the great influence she is and will tell her how grateful we all are to have her in our lives.
She is beautiful! Look at her, then look at me. I have more chins than a Chinese phonebook and yet she is with me. I know that she complains about having bad eyes, she wants a new prescription for her glasses-yeah right. The only reason we have lasted this long is that my face is blurry enough to be confused as handsome. of the many regrets I have, not telling her how beautiful she is has to be near the top. I love her smile and her kind eyes. I love her laugh, especially when she thinks I am funny. I love to watch her teach the kids, or hold them when they cry. In the morning, I love her smell, its very comforting. I love that she is hopelessly in love with me, and I with her. As I write this she is in another state, and I am lonely. I am half the man I could be with out her here. I love the line Jack Nicholson uses in the film "As Good As It Gets." Helen Hunt wants a complement, and he says "you make me want to be a better man." Not only does that apply for me, but you make me a better man. Anything that I am, or have, or will be is because of you. I spend every day trying to be worthy of you loving me, of choosing to be mine and holding me to you and making me more than I could be with out you. You are all that is good in my life, our children are a reflection of your beauty and love, and they make me love you more.
I could go on forever extolling the virtues of my good wife. I sum it up with this wish. I wish to grow old with you, to have you hold me when I cry, to laugh with me and to pick me up when I fall. I wish to see sunrises and sunsets, mountains and valleys, travel the world with you by my side. To see you with our children's children, to help you count grey hairs and wrinkles. I wish to sit on the porch and gently rock as the world passes us by, knowing that we have found each other, and there is nothing else that matters in life, I love you with all my heart, thank you for loving me. Happy Anniversary, only 12 down, eternity to go. I Love You


6 comments:

Jennifer said...

Thanks dear - you always know how to make me smile. Wish you were here in the sunshine state with me, but if you were, you may not have written this entry, and that would be a shame, since it's one of the nicest gifts I could have gotten.
I hope you haven't scared away your regular readers with the sappy talk. Love you too!

Anonymous said...

WOW!!!

What a testament to the woman that Jennifer is. To get the Geoff I know to wax so poetically, there must be something.

Now I know why Geoff didn't get Jen new glasses when she had to hold them together with masking tape. It was during his "heavier" days...

Mama F said...

You better watch out Geoff, soon you'll be as mushy as dad! Just kidding, you're too much of a potty mouth for that! Those were very nice things you said about Jen. The fact that you shared those shows there is still a human being inside of you. If only you would let him out more often. You are a lucky man to have Jen there to love you. I have always wondered why she does, but she does and we are grateful for her. Happy Be-lated Anniversary. I hope the years to come bring more happiness, and that you continue to do whatever it is that keeps Jen by your side.

Robyn said...

That was BEAUTIFUL! Wow! Jennifer, you are so lucky to get a letter like that published on the internet! Very thoughtful and sweet, Geoffrey! You don't fool me, I know that your kids and Jennifer pull at your heart strings and are one of the few things that make you emotional, besides sports.

GeoWulf said...

"More chins than I Chinese phonebook.." Now that's funny stuff!

Dang, you stop talking man-code and they think you've never professed your love for the woman. Sheesh!!

Someday they will figure out that it's our job to enhance their virtues.

:D

Anonymous said...

Your welcome...we know we raised a fantastic, Christian, giving, lovely young lady...always remember that family is more important than things.
Blessings, Love, Mom and Dad M.
XOXO