Dear Partner,
On February 17, we’ll commemorate our anniversary. Fourteen years since our Valentine’s Day wedding—an occasion marked by red roses. For some, it might seem trivial, while for others, it’s monumental. To me, it means everything.
Everyone knows that marriage requires effort. We’ve both seen relationships falter over time, and witnessed others shatter under the weight of life’s challenges. It’s not a journey for the weak; it calls for unwavering commitment to one another even in a world that can be unforgiving. There are moments when we feel exhausted, and sometimes one of us struggles to reach out while the other stretches tirelessly to hold on. We’ve navigated various seasons together, maintaining a delicate balance, occasionally swaying between reaching out and holding on with whatever strength we could muster. That’s the essence of marriage.
I’m incredibly grateful that we continue to reach for each other. As we mark 14 years of this bold dance together, I want you to know that through every twist, lift, and fall on this marital dance floor, one aspect of your love has stood out consistently. It has been a profound part of our journey and has nurtured the woman I am, imparting a message I believe every woman deserves to hear.
You always tell me I’m beautiful.
While this may seem like a simple gesture, the depth of your words resonates profoundly within me. I believe you—not just when I’m dressed up and feeling lovely, but especially during my most vulnerable moments.
I remember standing in the shower, shaken by pain, unable to move—broken and bruised, stitched up and swollen. I felt stripped of everything that defined my femininity. In those moments of despair, as tears fell and humility silenced my voice, the mirror showed me a version of myself that felt monstrous. I was in so much pain, unable to even wash myself. Yet, you would step in and take my hand, guiding me through it all.
Groggy from the medication that dulled my senses, I struggled to maintain my balance. You were there, supporting me until I felt steady enough to stand. With soap in your hands, you would tenderly wash my skin, gently tracing over my scars and bruises. And amid my cries and moans, your whispers filled the air: “You are so beautiful.”
This became our routine. For weeks, you patiently washed me, repeating those words—“You are so beautiful.”
Thank you for always reminding me of my beauty. The impact of your words is immeasurable.
After my sister was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and discovered she carried the BRCA1 mutation, she urged us to get tested. I tested positive, and after finding abnormal growths in both breasts, I knew I had to act. I consulted with a breast surgeon who advised immediate action. So, I made the tough decision to undergo a double mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and a full hysterectomy at just 42 years old. It was grueling, but necessary for my family’s future. My sister’s courage has gifted us the knowledge to fight this monster.
While I may always be a woman without breasts and a uterus, it is you who makes me feel like a woman. You remind me of my beauty continuously.
This article originally appeared on Feb. 11, 2016. For more insightful articles, check out our post on home insemination kits here. If you’re interested in taking steps toward parenthood, Make a Mom is a great resource. Additionally, IVF Babble offers excellent information about pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
This heartfelt reflection on love, resilience, and beauty emphasizes the importance of support in marriage, particularly during challenging times. It illustrates how unwavering love can uplift us even in our darkest moments and reminds us that true beauty is recognized in our most vulnerable states.