cheers to you, tony

Today marks our fourth wedding anniversary.

I’ve started, restarted, created, erased, and deleted this post about ten times already this morning. I want to get my words just right today; a post dedicated to my husband deserves perfection.

For Tony –

When I walked into my PALS class as a sophomore in high school; a scared, insecure, nervous sixteen year old girl, never would I have imagine that this would be the setting of meeting my future husband. I remember sitting down, restlessly tapping my pencil, and glancing around the room at students who were all older than me. When class started, everybody had to introduce themselves out loud; I gave a quiet I’m Kaylee Mitchell & didn’t make eye contact with a soul. As the roll call worked it’s way through the classroom and landed on the last young man, I remember hearing a confident, “I’m Tony Doherty.”

I remember looking at you, [hopefully not creepily :)], and wanting your energy; wishing I could have confidently said my name and looked at every single person staring back at me.

You were confident, happy, and ready for anything.

In twelve years, things haven’t changed much.

You are still confident. Confident in us. Confident in our new path. Confident in me. Confident in yourself. Confident we will be parents. You are still confident.

You are still happy. Happy with our life. Happy with simplicity. Happy with your career. Happy with our journey. Happy in the morning, [when I’m a grump]. Happy while we watch Sunday night HBO programming 🙂 You are happy; always, even when it’s difficult for both of us. You are still happy.

You are still ready for anything. As a 16 year old girl, I truly believed you could do anything. As a 21 year old college student, I knew nothing would stop you from succeeding. As your 28 year old wife, I watch you, with overflowing pride, continuously fly high. You are ready for our twists and turns. You are ready for the next concert trip I plan. You are ready to be a father. You are ready for whatever our lives bring us. You are still ready for anything.

I’ve only ever been sure about one thing in my life:

My love for you.

It has never faltered. It has always been you. It always will be you.

Cheers to many more years together, Tony!

xo