How do i love you...

In 1846, Elizabeth Barrett met, and later fell in love with Robert Browning. In her 43rd love sonnet, she penned the many ways that she loved her husband...

Now, me being a man, I do not always understand how to show love in a meaningful way, or even how to express it without sounding, well, like a man.

So as I am beginning this journey of change and reflection, I ask my self...what was about her that smote you with love? What about her makes your heart skip a beat when you see her and she walks into the room?

Some things have been entirely open and I easily understood them, while others I misinterpreted to be one thing when in reality they were the opposite.

So why do I love you?

I love that you have such a tender heart

I love the way you care for each and every one of our children. Each of them, in your eyes is special and distinct individuals. And you have such a special connection with each of them.

I love that you are so fierce! Now some may say...that's a little strange, so I will explain it thusly, you stand for what is right, you fight tooth and nail for it

I love that you carefully research things out before you form your own opinions

I love how your eyes brighten and you smile so beautifully when you are complimented

I love to listen to your voice as you tell about your day and talk, with pride, about the kids

I love our beginning, how we ended up dancing together through the last half of our first dance. How we could sit and talk for hours with each other, without really saying anything

I love the sound of your laughter as you interact with our kids. The pure joy in the sound is like music to a weary heart

I love you for calling me out on my crap...and I never saw this for what it was until recently. What I have often taken as an attack was only meant in love. I am sorry for misinterpreting you, can you please forgive me?

I love you for forcing a break...I am sorry for my unloving and inconsiderate actions. I was completely wrong, and have gained a new perspective on how I have made you feel. I think that I truly understand why you feel the way you do, and I am so sorry, can you please forgive me?

I love the care you take for our household, our children, your friends, and your school work

I love you...for who you have always been, for who you have been trying to help me become, and for who you want our kids to become

There are a million more reasons, which drive my heart everyday..., and rarely a moment goes by without you close to my thoughts and heart.

I think for the first time in 18 years I really understand your thoughts and intentions, and I thank you for simply being you and working to connect with me over the years.

I Love you.