"Love is like walking up a hill, and you’re carrying a heavy burden up it. It may be a challenge but if there’s someone alongside you who wants to help you carry the load, then it will be a bit more pleasant indeed." I said yes. I said yes to many things. I said yes to the most kind, gentle, caring, charismatic, patient, smart, and strong person I know. I said yes to a lifelong commitment through the bad, the good, the pretty, the ugly, the pain, the joy. I said yes to allowing you to dig deeper into my heart than I ever thought possible. I said yes to you wrecking every wall. I said yes to allowing you to love me in ways I didn't know possible. You have always held my heart like it is a ruby; precious, strong, and delicate. I hold yours with the same care, except now they glisten together. Quickly we were friends, and it felt as if we could talk about anything, struggles and all. But then a friendship grew into a companionship, a love, a determination that no matter how hard it is I will be right there at the end of the day. You taught me to allow myself to be taken care of by someone who isn't myself. You taught me things I didn't know about myself. You held me till 2 in the morning dancing. You listened intently, not to reply, rather to learn. You poured your soul into mine and they attached and started singing and dancing together. You communicate with me and you share with me which I value. There is nothing holding this love back and it can never be captured in words. I said yes to dancing with the most beautiful heart, mind, and soul. I said yes to a lifetime of safety and care. I said yes to someone who puts aside everything for me no matter what. You are the most cherished thing in my life and now I get to call you my own. I said yes with no second guessing no doubts no questions.

What is commitment? According to the dictionary it is "the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity." According to Maddie commitment is deciding that no matter how hard it gets you stay and choose to be patient and loving. Commitment is the good, the bad, the up, the down, the who's right or who's wrong. It's the dancing, the laughing, the 1 am meaningful conversations. It's the service. It's the stopping everything just to see that person smile again. It's putting yourself second. It's standing there patient when the other is stubborn and tries to run away. It's the sheer honesty even if it is scary and hard. Finally commitment is forever. My definition of commitment came from observing you. The way you treat me, the way you love me, and the way your eyes only see me. You have shown me what it means to be loved and have someone fully committed to you. I love you for so many reasons and I feel so loved by you. I am fully committed to you and us. Through every hardship I will stand next to you as your wife. Since I stand here committed to us I will make a few promises. I promise to keep you safe, to hold you tight, to take care of your heart and every emotion. I promise to be honest, I promise to put you first, I promise to be patient. I promise to trust you. I promise to be uplifting and bring light and life into your life. Lastly I promise to stay loyal to you through and through. I am so blessed to have found someone to hold me so tenderly and safely. I am blessed that you see my heart as a precious stone, both fragile and strong. You see the real me for all that I am and you call me beautiful. You have allowed me into your heart and mind and now I sit here holding it looking at it realizing just how precious and tender it is. You let me see every part of it and here now I sit as its keeper and tender. Despite all the fear and doubts you chose me and I will do everything in my power to keep and preserve your precious heart because that is all you deserve. I promise I will tend to every wound, carry every burden, and make every sacrifice needed to put you first. I love you endless and I am so excited to begin this new life with you. Your wife, Madeline Grace Allen