Valentine

Usually, I do this privately, but this felt like a public sort of year, and I really don't mind if the world knows how I feel.

That said...

Carey:

One thing I've learned in the last nine years, one Big Important Thing, is that life hands everyone an awful lot of uphill and a lot of scary and a lot of 'Who Am I?' and 'Why Am I Here?'. I suppose it's nice to have a beautiful wife to make the most of the time I have, but, more importantly, when the inevitable uphills lead to all-new scaries... when the Who Am I's and Why Am I Here's threaten to sink me... I've learned that the thing I've needed most is a good, good friend.

Not just someone who thinks a lot of me or somebody who'll stick by me despite the difficulties... but somebody who won't rest until they watch me cross the finish line. Not someone who's willing to look past my faults, but someone who wants to look at them, in the hopes that they'll know me better and find new opportunities to love me.

I told you on our wedding day that I admire you more than anyone and it's still true. Describing the joy I feel or the respect I have for your courage and character is like trying to catch the ocean in a teacup, but nevertheless: you encourage and inspire me. You remind me of who I want to be.

So, thank you. I love you. You've always been my good, good friend.

Sincerely,

Jer