On our third anniversary

Dear Teddy,

Today is our third anniversary and I am so grateful to be sharing my life with you.  We have experienced the kind of tragedy that most will not see in their lifetimes and it has made me want to give up on life at times.  You have given me the will to go on.  You have reminded me many times that there will be happy times again, and that we have each other.  You have indulged all of my fantasies to run away - to Santa Fe, to Israel, to Costa Rica.  You have never made me feel crazy for all of my questions about the meaning of life and curiosities about the afterlife.  You have spent night after night after night assuring me that you KNOW that there is more than this and that we will be with Max again someday.  You have repeatedly assured me that we won't become another statistic and our marriage will last through this....even become stronger...which it has.  You have listened to me yell about people who have hurt me and even allowed me to vent about those who I have felt haven't been there enough for you.  When I didn't think I could ever go back to work, you shouldered the responsibility.  You made our little shack into a beautiful home.  You are warm and gracious and forgiving.  You are handsome and funny and have made me laugh when I didn't think I would ever laugh again.  You are the most incredible father.  Maxie loved you like crazy.  I could see it in his eyes and it warmed my heart.  I know Mo will love you just the same.  When he is restless, you relax him with your strong arms and sweet voice.  He feels safe with you.  You are my soulmate and my better half.  You remind me daily that I am not alone.  I am so grateful for you.  I love you and again, words are inadequate.  

Your wife,
Abby


7 comments

Bianca said...

That is such a beautiful family picture with your little monkey. I am sending wishes for many anniversaries to come, celebrated always with Maxie in your hearts and with Mo by your sides. And I am sending my hope that there IS more and that your family will be complete again somewhere, someday. So much love to you and Ted and your boys, xx

Marla said...

Beautiful. Love to you both.

Anon said...

This is beautiful, wishing you so many more anniversaries.

Kate said...

Bianca said it all--here's to many more years together, with memories of Max shared in the stories you tell Mo and all your future children. You are an amazing couple and I am so glad you found each other. Love you.

Molly Niles Renshaw said...

Such a sweet, happy picture. I'm so sorry you two have to live with so much sadness. We love and miss Maxie - I think of him so much, the tragedy of his lost life. I know you'll celebrate many more anniversaries in the future.

Rachael said...

Your relationship is one for the ages. How you've come together in good times and in times of tragedy is remarkable. Happy anniversary to a couple whose relationship's strength should never have had to be tested by losing sweet Maxie.

Anna Hynek said...

Congratulations Abby and Ted on your anniversary, for being a couple whose love for each other and their sons clearly sustains you all and transcends the pain of the loss you share. Thank you Abby for sharing your beautiful letter. Here is to many more anniversaries.