To my love, my friend, my wife and my partner — Dusty, 1 I know it’s the day before Valentines — some things can’t wait just for a day. 2 Ten years — that’s how long we’ve been with one another . It feels like a lifetime — so much has changed. 3 We’ve been through our times of trial — little things like accidentally renting an apartment in a war zone (my bad!) — and much bigger things from health, to finances , to not knowing what we were doing or where we were going. We’ve been through a lot in ten years. 4 Despite the trials — we have made each other stronger. You have also given me the cherished gift of your love, your tears and support in my times of pain . 5 You have given me more than just your love; you gave me our first daughterAbby — who might as well be a tiny clone of myself in female form , who despite her willfulness and strong personality makes my heart jump each time I hear her laugh, each time she runs to me and hugs me and tells me she loves me. 6 Then there is Addison, our bubbling eight month old. What can I say about someone who greets me with a smile and a laugh whether it’s five in the morning, or me just coming home from a hard day at work? Addison’s happiness and flourishing is not just due to doctors, or therapists — it’s directly tied to the amazing love and care you provide to her. Every time I look at Addison, I see an extension of you — your smile, your happiness. 7 You and our daughters have given me more than a reason to just keep working and moving from day to day. You’ve given me a reason to truly live, a place and arms to cry in, to laugh in, and to grow in. You’ve given me a view of life, of living, of loving I never dreamed of having. You’ve driven me to be a better man, a better husband and father. 8 I am but a broken man, but with you I am whole. 9 Thank you for being who you are. 10 Thank you for being with me. 11 Thank you for loving me. 12 Thank you for letting me love you in return. Jesse