Each of us has important people in our lives that we love for little or very many reasons. I wanted to share about a few in my life that I love dearly. By leaving the people unnamed, I wanted to focus more on the actions of the person or the reasons I love them rather than naming them. It's not an extensive list of every important person in my life, but a thank you and explanation to some.

By writing this article, my goal is that you, Reader, will think of the lovers, friends family, and animals in your life that you love more than anything, and hopefully you might write an "I love you because" letter too.

I love you because your silent support is always known after I accomplished anything on my own, and because of your never-ending patience with me or your willingness to put up with the worst of my character traits.

I love you because I have no better example of being strong and soft at the same time-- to love what's right and love people at the same time.

I love you not because you spoil me or feed me all the time, but because you listen to every single thing I say. And by gosh, I had to get my sass from someone.

I love you because your friendship is total loyalty, and you are always willing to lend a hand even when it might be close to empty. You always pick me up when I fall.

I love you because we are the same. We have the same passion for others and the same zeal for the Lord. We know when the other is down, and we are happy when the other is up.

I love you because we've known each other forever. We've fought time and again but always come out on the other side as friends still. Plus, our phones calls always last forever.

I love you because I just do. You are you. I've watched you grow over the years, and we've made a journey across the big seas, friend mate.

I love you because you are so goofy even when you think you aren't that funny. Your passion for overseas people and your drive for life inspires me to be better than I am. Plus we both just get English.

I love you because many months are always in between us seeing each other, but our friendship never changes. I love your love for the Lord.

I love you because our minds are always on the same wavelength. We share the same thoughts, and you are always the one to call when I need a break from life or to vent. You have the best mama.

I love you because we are just besties, and you never, ever fail to make me smile, ever.

I love you (y'all, brothers actually) because I learned you don't have to be related to be family. And with y'all, I'm just one of the guys.

I love you (y'all) because you might need a second set of parents in life. I love y'all's constant encouragement.

I love you because you are my big brother who has my back. We are always each other's open ears when the other needs to vent.

I love you because you are always happy. I make your day by coming into the room. I don't know how or why, but you inspire me to love others like you love me, in your furry, scurry, hyper, doggie ways.

I love you because you loved me first. You gave your life, so I could have mine.

I love you because for a perfect God to love such an imperfect, crazy, stubborn, easily-excited, messy, passionate, confused sinner like me, You are love. And I only love with the love you give me.

Thank you to all the people that make up the big areas of my heart. There are many that I didn't get to write about, but I love you just as much.