Real life happy ending... (princesses need not apply)

If you are a regular reader of this here blog, you've probably figured out that I was very close to my dad, he was my confidant and I miss that, but I still have treasures from our time together, some of which are letters that I had written to him while away at college. I shared with him many things that were going on in my life at the time and it is so fun to go back and read the wisdom (or lack thereof) of my 20 year old mind. One of my favorite things to read about are my relationship ups and downs of the day. What I wrote about a certain Mr. Rick is my favorite, a testimony that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be (not that I ever have to question that. He's the best thing that ever happened to me).

( This is the college stationary I made from a caricature my very talented roommate drew of me. I wish I still had the original because I love it, it looks just like me don'tcha think)

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Lets peak in on what this funny little girl had to say about her future mate shall we:

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Hi Dad-

I miss you so much. I love you more than anyone on this earth. Throughout my life I have felt so close to you. We have always been able to talk for hours about anything. Not many fathers and daughters can say that. I wouldn't trade my dad for anyone or anything...

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(we'll skip past the life lessons I was experiencing and the epiphanies about my relationship with the one who can't be named--remember my promise from an earlier post--so we can get to the good stuff)

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...I had very real, deep, undeniable feelings about Rick and it is very hard to turn your back on something so real. I'm not saying that I will ever be with Rick again but I cannot deny that it was right. It wasn't just my foolish emotions that time, it was real. It is such a different feeling when it's real. It brings such a natural happiness (more stuff that can't be mentioned) I know what real God sent feelings can be with the right man and I will have that again someday...

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(more unmentionable and personal stuff)

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...I love you Dad. I love you with all of my heart. Thanks for being so wonderful. If you ever get down, remember how I feel about you and look at the person I've become and know that you did a good thing.

I love you always and admire you above all others.

Love Forever,

Jeanette

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I love this letter because it is a reminder of not only how much I loved my dad, but of how much I loved (and felt so deeply connected to) my Rick.

It makes me smile when I read it because everything worked out and we got our Happy Ending.

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But I know it's very important not to take happy endings for granted. Happy endings need to be continually nurtured, evaluated and strengthened. Happy endings must be treated as a verb, it takes action, which is why I loved and didn't put down the smut filled book that I spoke of earlier. It woke me from the subtle slumber that kills happy endings-- quiet, no special effort-- complacency.

I woke up, AND OH THE TIME WE HAVE HAD...

We're like newlyweds embarking on that happy ending all over again.

I'll tell you more about it later. This post is already way too long... (but remember, don't read the book, it's really bad).