I remember seeing Dustin for the first time ever. It was through my kitchen window as I was doing some last minute prep for my roommates birthday party in April of 2005. He was coming up the driveway with a friend of his, guests of the party, people I didn’t know. He knocked, I opened the door, handed him a drink and then didn’t speak to him for the rest of the time he and his friend were there. I don’t remember a whole bunch about the party, just that it was really dull and I was really ready for it to be over. Being me, I took a picture of the group as the party was wrapping up. Little did I know as I sat down on the floor after setting the camera timer that I was sitting in front of my husband. He called me the next day and I asked me out on a date. Hesitantly, I went.
Fast forward 4 months to August 25, 2005 – our wedding day. I remember waking up that morning and being so happy, feeling so whole, knowing with no doubt whatsoever that I was marrying the right man. Dustin came home to our house that morning after spending the night at a friends, gathered up his suite and got in the car with me. I drove him to our wedding, we walked into the room hand in hand and at 11:30am (with the clock on the upswing) I married the best man I’ve ever known and the best friend I’ve ever had.
Dustin I can never thank you enough for finding me, for loving me first and for loving me so completely. I am whole with you. I am the woman I always wanted to be, but never thought I could be. You took all of the bitterness and hurt out of my life and wrapped me up in an overwhelming love that has made me complete, and has made me better. Thank you for taking care of me, for washing the car and the dishes, for making me laugh and bringing me coffee. Thank you for holding my hand every single day and for hugging and kissing me like we’ve been away from each other for years when it’s only been a few hours. You are my soul mate – something I didn’t believe in until I met you. You are the person I belong with, have always belonged with and will forever be with. Thank you for loving me and for letting me love you. Thank you for being the best husband, the best father and for giving me the best life I could imagine. You are my friend. I love you more.