I wanted to write you a little something to commemorate the start of our lives together. A lot of these things you know already, but this is my favorite story to tell. When you moved your HUGE backpack over on that first day of class, I silently sighed the biggest sigh of relief. I was so nervous and annoyed at having to go through an entire semester of college with no friends and nobody to sit with, but there you were. I know I talked your ear off everyday, but you always listened, and I always pretended like you were interested in what I had to say. (I know you didn’t really care lol.) You became my best friend for those few months. You invited me out with your friends even though I barely ever went. You included me in every conversation, filled me in on every inside joke, and saved me a seat in class every single day. I think back on those days, and I truly believe that if you weren’t there that first day, we never would have found our way back to each other. I don’t think I’ve ever told you this, but I think I started to fall in love with you during that semester. You showed me how much joy I could find in the company of one single person. Up until that point, I had never been around someone who made me feel as carefree as you made me feel. I could be as reserved or talkative, as angry or ecstatic, as crazy or as calm as I felt like being in a moment, and you were always so level-headed and relaxed no matter what. Since then, you’ve been the most steady thing in my life. The way you treat me has only matured into something even more beautiful than I could imagine. As friends, you looked out for me, let me rant and ramble, and always made sure that I was okay. Now, you protect me, you listen intently to my deepest thoughts, and you provide for and love me with everything you do. I hope you know how much I love you and that you never doubt that love. I pray that God shines down on your darkest times, and reminds you that you are so much more than enough. I thank God for you every day, and I am so happy that you’ve made me your wife. I love you, James Prescott Rhoe. With everything in me, Vanessa Anne Marie Rhoe