MY MAN

So this post may be a tad long...but the topic is so worth it! I've basically been doing a lot of reflecting on my life, and in efforts to remain positive and moving forward, have been focusing on all the great things I have in my life. The main one, other then Madelynn, being Shawn! This is also a result of starting to process our upcoming Deployment. I do want to discuss my emotions for this big event, and what it means to me, but I am going to save that for another blog.

Growing up I've had various examples of good and bad relationships. I've created my own opinion on what makes a good significant other and a lasting relationship by combining bits and pieces of things I've seen, experienced growing up, and have learned by being proactive in doing retreats, reading books, and examing myself for who I truly am, what I need and what I have to offer. I think the strongest lessons to come w/ me from my childhood is that a great man will cherish you, respect you and treat you like a WOMAN. To look for someone w/ good morals, and that was raised to be a gentleman. However my favorite advice of all is " The best thing a Father can do for his children, is love their mother". That all being said... onto the real reason I am writing this.

I'm going to be honest and call myself out on this, it is so much easier for me to pick out and voice my annoyances or dislikes. I am determined to stop this, we have really been working lately on using good communication and forming good habits for expressing ourselves thanks to a wonderful couples retreat we recently attended. This is my motivation for writing this. I don't know if I can actually express enough how grateful I am for Shawn and everthing he does, but I want to attempt to do so right now.

Without knowing it, without looking for it, I found the guy that I was told about growing up, and had been starting to think didn't exist. We are so opposite sometimes it's frustrating, but in truth it's the only way it could work. I never pump gas or carry anything when he is with me(unless I'm in my stubborn, I am woman hear me roar mode). I cook dinner, he does the dishes automatically. If I am working around the house, he's in my ear asking me over and over what he can do to help until I give him something to do to get him out of my hair! =)~ He loves being toasty warm when sleeping, but sleeps w/ the windows open cause I hate being hot. He understands that I am OCD, that I need to be in control of certain aspects of my life, and ours together, and just says Ok, whatever makes you happy. He respects me enough to want my opinion in his career decisions. He supports me in any decision I make and wants me to do whatever makes me happy. He is everything I want, and didn't know I needed in my life.

Shawn's selflessness, committment to our relationship, acceptance of all my good and bad qualities, unconditional love for Madelynn and I, and his positivity when facing any obstacle we may be presented with, ASTOUNDS me. I am so blessed to have such a man, and can only hope to be deserving of him and an equally great partner for him. I told him recently that I don't think I tell him enough how much he means to me, and how much I appreciate him. So I wanted to shout it from the mountain tops and put it into words for all to see.

So here's to SHAWN! for everything he does and the man he is for me. For making me part of that great group of women who have found an AMAZING MAN that loves and cherishes them. I love you, you are imprinted into my life and heart forever. You are my other half, you have filled that hole that's been in my life/heart and now, without you I'd be lost. MUAH!