18 years ago my best friend told me “she’s way out of your league”.

Although it hurt to hear that, I knew he was right.  She’s still way out of my league.

There’s something about her that can’t be described.  But as I’ve watched her, and learned from her, and admired her for 18 years now, I believe it comes down to one thing.  One thing that the majority of women don’t have.  A virtue that has been lost in today’s world.  An attribute that has been tossed to the side by power hungry people seeking recognition, status, and fame.  Something that has been eroded by the fabric of our egotistical society.  Something few women posses, and most don’t even realize it.

Grace.

It’s a subconscious expression of her real femininity – what makes her attract light and goodness.

Its in the way she walks.
Its in the way she talks.
Its in the way she smiles.
Its in the way she looks at people.
Its in the way she cares.
Its in the way she loves.
Its in the way she mothers.
Its in the way she laughs.

It permeates her entire being and radiates light.

14 years ago today, by some stroke of luck (blessings from on high), I convinced her to marry me.  I’ve been a witness to her daily evolution, a recipient of her constant love, and an admirer of her beautiful grace.

She takes womanhood to a place that few women even understand.  She’s strong, yet gentle.  She’s soft & kind, yet resolute.  She speaks with a whisper, yet it reaches your core.  Words don’t do justice – maybe that’s why her grace is so rare – it is indescribable.

If I have become anything since I left my parents home, it is because of her.  She makes me better every day.  Not because she “makes” me, but rather she inspires me.  I’m in a race just to keep up with her goodness.

Jill, I love you more than I can express.  I can’t imagine life without you, and I don’t want to.  Every day is fun, exciting, new, and invigorating with you.

Happy Anniversary!

I love you!

And for the U2 fans out there, the lyrics to Grace below:

Grace
She takes the blame
She covers the shame
Removes the stain
It could be her name

Grace
It’s a name for a girl
It’s also a thought that changed the world
And when she walks on the street
You can hear the strings
Grace finds goodness in everything

Grace, she’s got the walk
Not on a ramp or on chalk
She’s got the time to talk
She travels outside of karma
She travels outside of karma
When she goes to work
You can hear her strings
Grace finds beauty in everything

Grace, she carries a world on her hips
No champagne flute for her lips
No twirls or skips between her fingertips
She carries a pearl in perfect condition

What once was hurt
What once was friction
What left a mark
No longer stings
Because grace makes beauty
Out of ugly things

Grace makes beauty out of ugly things