I’m not exactly sure how to put words to what I feel but as I have retrospectively considered the year that has passed, celebrating the amazing things that made 2012 special, I am overwhelmed by one humbling thought: what have I ever done to deserve the love of the woman I fell in love with almost 18 years ago and married 3 and a half years after that?

Truth is, I have done very little. I suspect I am difficult to live with at the best of times. When I am grouchy, she is gracious; when I am impatient, she brings peace; when I am a bulldozer, she is a sponge; when I am anxious, she is steady; when I have neglected her, she has remained; when I can’t stand and fight anymore, she holds my arms; when I weep, she weeps too (and dries away my tears); when I am imperfect, she speaks the truth in love; when I have nothing to give, she always has plenty; when I am losing faith, she is a picture of Jesus.

She has remained for 14 years and she has loved me through tragedy, hardship and pain. We have laughed together, made children together, celebrated life together, appreciated beauty together. We have fought. We have wrestled. We have overcome obstacles. We have worked hard at loving.

These days, marriage is trash: an easily-crumpled-and-discarded convention. I don’t understand that. I cannot comprehend life without my puzzle piece. It would make no sense. She completes me.

She is a woman of worth. Yolanda, I love you dearly.