Closing Old Books

Dearest Shelby,

I'm writing you for presumably the last time. Today is your Birthday, and I wanted to wish you a wonderful one. I know this year probably hasn't been what you expected, nor are you where you likely thought you'd be this time last year. But I still hope you found happiness throughout the darkness.

We are days now from the official end of our era together. And I find myself sitting here reminiscing on the time we had. When we first met, and the joy we shared through the following years. I'll always remember who you were to me, and what you meant to me. You were my best friend, my closest companion, and the one who I planned on spending the rest of my life with. You had such a special light about you, and something magical came out of you when you were around me. That person is long gone now, but I cherish those memories.

You taught me more than anyone has about who I am, and what I have to offer. You helped bring me out of my shell the most. You got me to do things I never would have done before. You were the one who I turned to with my joys, as well as with my sorrows. My burdens were made light because of your tender care for me. What a wonderful blessing you were in my life as I encountered some of my darkest moments.

Things weren't always pretty between us. We went at each others' throats a few too many times, and I couldn't stand you some days; as I am sure you felt with me. But we seemed to always find a way to get past it all.

The things I'll miss most though were the times we spent with your family. Playing cards with your Aunts and Uncles, and most of all, your sweet sweet Grandma.. Oh how I miss her spirit and the happiness she brought me.. I still carry her card in my wallet. All of the members of your family took me in like their own. Mike, Missy, John, Rob, Christi, your Mom and Dad, everyone treated me with the most respect and love. I'll never be able to repay them for that, and thank them eternally.

Closing the book has never been easy for me. This has been the most trying experience of my life. I'll never fully understand why things happened the way they did. But I have learned so much through this. I could never say I regretted choosing to marry you. You brought me to new heights. But we've reached the end of our story. May time and experience be in our favor as we move forward in life. I will always have a special place in my heart for you. I want the best for you as you move on in life. I hope you succeed, and find happiness. I can't thank you enough for the things you taught me, and I'll cherish the memories we shared.

I'll miss you.

-Trev