To the guy who has taught me what love really looks like, this is for you.

You came in when my life was a downward spiral and somehow you managed not to get scared away. You have stood beside me through the good, bad, and the ugly and have never retreated. From your smallest actions, I feel loved day in and day out. Our story of how we got to where we are today is definitely different, but I have come to learn that it is something special that I truly cherish and it has allowed me to love you even more.

I want to say thank you for all that you do, even for the small things that may seem like no big deal to you. Thank you for always opening my door (even when I try to do it myself and you push me out of the way). Thank you for protecting me and always making me feel safe in your presence. This world is a scary place, but I know that you are always there to take care of me if something were to happen. Thank you for showing me love through your words. One thing I have learned over the years is that words hurt more than actions do at times, but you have never once torn me down with your words. You constantly build me up and reassure me.

Thank you for pushing me to do my best every single day. You never let me give up, even when things seem impossible. Thank you for making me laugh. From your singing and dancing, to the corny jokes you tell, there isn't a day that goes by without a laugh or a smile. Thank you for surviving all my breakdowns. Even the ugly cries haven't scared you away, so I know you're the one. Thank you for always pointing me to Jesus. This is the most precious thing of all to me. You keep me grounded in my faith and aren't afraid to ask the hard questions or to give me a reality check. Thank you for wanting to keep Jesus at the center. It's so easy to get wrapped up in ourselves and what our flesh wants, but thank you for keeping things honest and for respecting me and the values and boundaries we have set. Thank you for simply loving me, day in and day out, with a genuine love.

I can't thank you enough for all that you've done for me. Even before we started dating. You've constantly been by my side through some of the hardest times of my life and you have seen me at my lowest points and you still love me. You have shown me that good guys exist still. You have taught me that my past does not define me and even though I might have made mistakes, it has all gotten me to the point I am today. You have helped to restore my confidence in myself. You have shown me true, genuine love and have helped make life so much brighter and more fun. I am thankful I get to walk this life with you day in and day out. So even when life gets crazy busy, never forget that I love you with my whole heart and I am forever grateful for you, for your heart, and for your love.