Long Live and Stay Beautiful

You came into my life at the exact moment I needed you. For months the world revolved around two people thirsting for love, acceptance, healing, and confidence. The first thought as we opened our eyes in the morning to the last thing on our minds as we closed them at the end of each day. Distractions from things that were less than desirable and moments that were heartbreaking to say the least. You gave me hope that there are good men in the world: a man who loves with his whole heart and follows through on the words that he speaks. A godly man who trusts in the love that I am capable of and accepting of all that I could offer him. You gave me confidence when I wasn't strong enough to give it to myself and encouragement when I needed it the most. Through your voice on the phone, even at 1,200 miles away, hope was instilled in me that I could and would have the future for which I secretly longed. With you or with someone else, I would be happy. I would laugh. I would love. And most importantly, I would live the life that was designed for me by a God who knows me better than I know myself.

After seventy-six days of cross-country text messaging, late night phone calls, revealed secrets, a couple of close encounters that left us even more curious and engaged, the sharing of appropriate Taylor Swift song lyrics, and endless prayers for a hopeful love connection, we were finally united one warm May evening in Tennessee. Feelings of nervousness and anxiety filled the room as we tried to fathom the fact that we were finally together. At last. For so long that day was longed for, and it had finally arrived.

Now seven months later after one fantastic weekend, lots of tears, hopeful emotions quickly turned into lost dreams, and one heated late-night argument, I can sit here and be proud of how everything played out between us. I am so grateful that I had you exactly when I needed you: no more, no less. I am thankful for the words you said and didn't say. I am thankful for the connection we had while we were 1,200 miles away from one another that was void when we were finally face to face. I am thankful for the laughter through the phone that I can still hear as I think about our conversations that involved but weren't limited to our teeth history, Irish pub songs, the rescuing of bugs from your son, and childhood memories of Pebbles and growing up in small town Mt. Juliet.

Here's to you! May you have the life that you want and deserve. May you never settle for less than sparks that fly, enchanted encounters, amazing crafted beer, and lots of laughing. I hope you always remember those feelings that we shared through the distance between us and know in your heart that everything is meant to be exactly as it is. I hope you are always happy and, if you are ever not happy, I hope that you will remember the way back to that happiness. Remember those in your life who are real and trustworthy. Remember the lessons you have learned and the love you have received. Never take anything for granted and don't let others take all that you have to offer for granted. Above all, remember who you are as a man, a father, a friend, and a lover. Long live and stay beautiful. Forever.