When we met on that fateful first day of college, both of us 3000 miles from home and family, we were just kids, with no clue of what the future had in store for us.  We have grown up together, become who we are with each other, become who we are because of each other.

We knew, not long after we admitted to each other and ourselves that we were, as they say in college, “more than just friends,” that we were going to be together for good, that this wasn’t some kind of trial run.  But ten years ago, we made that promise in public, in front of our family and friends, on a beautiful summer day in Orange County.

Last Friday, away from home with our precious babygirl for a relaxing long weekend in San Diego, we celebrated that day, and that promise, surrounded by good friends and their children.  Good food, good company, a simple celebration of a simple, unending truth—that I love you, and that I’m not going anywhere.

I cannot imagine my life without you, without our amazing daughter, who looks more like you every day, without the love and purpose you have brought into my life.  I know that I haven’t always made this journey, this partnership easy, and for that, I’m sorry.  But those many years ago, long before we were officially engaged, when I asked you to stay with me forever, I meant it, and I still mean it now.  Thank you for being in my life.

Happy anniversary, baby.  I love you.