My beloved girlfriend, time has flown by. We have been together for over three years and we have learned so much about each other. You know my strengths and weaknesses. You know what creates my greatest joys and how deep my despair goes. Through it all, you have been present without prejudice. We have long joked that I am not the person that shows much emotion, but I know it is true. I often wonder if you know how I really feel about you because of how guarded I am. You know why I shy away from the world and its pleasures. Many women would have left behind the sad person who cannot overcome his anger. You refused to surrender the battle for my heart. Looking into your eyes, I know you wonder whether you have broken through. I am here to tell you that you have broken through walls that seemed impenetrable. Not only have you broken through, but you now have it. It's yours. My heart. Did I ever believe anybody would get past the anger and sadness? Not a chance. Yet, you persevered. In our time together, I have become a man filled with dreams that seem overwhelming to most. Not once did you discourage me.
As a matter of fact, you have pushed me to accomplish what seems impossible. You know the problems in Central America trouble me and though I have hesitated as to whether I can be the one to solve this gigantic problem it has, you have assured me that I am capable of changing the lives of those there. The truth is, however, that I am able to do it because you are with me. Somebody with your strength and courage has enhanced my own, to levels that give me the confidence that I can change the world. When I accomplish my life goals, I want the world to know that you were the driving force behind my relentless pursuit of what I wanted to accomplish. My anger and shame have gotten in the way of displaying my true feelings for you. Three years in and I am still not the man I should be. At age 25, I should be more confident in my ability to express these emotions to you.
The truth is that I had been trying to fit us in a category that would never explain us. This is because we are unlike any other couple. We are incredibly special. We have a bond that has survived trying times. A bond that withstood tornadic winds of life. It seems that every obstacle we overcome, we grow stronger. I want you to know that I love you and you have made me into the man I want to be. I do not know where life will take us. I do not know where we will end up or how this will all turn out. The only thing that I know is that I want to walk through life with you. I cannot imagine a day where you are not by my side. I promise to be the man you deserve from now until the day death do us part.
Thank you for giving your heart to me. I want you to know that I keep it very close to my own. We have long passed being two hearts. We have become one that beats together. In your eyes, I see it all. I see the man I will become. I see our house and I see our family. More importantly, I see two old people sitting on a couch, as in love as the first day they met. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your hope. Thank you for not quitting on me. You asked if I love you? I love you with every fiber of my being. I will always be with you, ready to face life’s toughest challenges. I look forward to the next seventy years with you. I love you, Courtney.
