Letter to my wife

Dear Christiane,

Christiane sharing her bed with dolls

This is a letter from your husband (Richard... do I need to remind you of this?). You might find it a little different, as I will also tell you things that you already know. It is NOT a bill for a rendered service or solicitation of any sort! So just sit down and relax. However, this is really personal, could you destroy this copy after reading it.

You were born in Mont-Laurier (Québec). Your mother, a French Canadian, and your Father, a Norwegian, were surely ecstatic of getting a third daughter, Jocelyne and Carmen being your old old older sisters. Could you keep this for yourself? In my personal opinion, YOU were the best of the three (note to self: do not expect anything from my sisters in law for a while :))).

Old Orchard Beach

I have been telling you this for ages, I was born before you, I have so much wisdom that I can splurge on you. Don’t get me wrong, I don't blame you, at the first breath you took... I had already discovered my fingers, my toes, and my willNotMentionItHere part.

No wolf :(

You followed my path and joined the military at 17. I don’t know how you followed; I didn’t even notice being followed… you are good! We met, you were still 17 and I was 18 (see that age difference keeps popping up!). We didn’t just “click”, I gave you some time to see my qualities… while you were looking really hard, I borrowed a book from you. You didn’t notice until I returned it and then gave me hell… to this day, you still haven’t said: “You are welcome.”

In December 1978, in a snow storm, in front of witnesses (not the one in the protection program nor the Jehovah), you said: “I do?”, or was it “I DO.”, could have been “I do!” the point being I walked in with a child and came out with a woman hahahahaha - I sure hope there are readers that appreciate what I do for them, I will pay a price for this… I might be poor for the rest of my life. 

We have been really lucky; we spent 2 tours in Germany. The first tour in Ramstein Air force base without any kid, and then a tour in Lahr with our kids. While in Europe, we had the opportunity of travelling from Italy to Norway. We travelled more in the 6 years in Europe than all the other years in North America combined. This is about to change, isn’t it?

Between the tours, we had time to have 2 children. You left the military to raise them. Possibly the best investment we did. Our kids are adults now, free will, successful at what they do, and with good hearts – Good job Mom!

If you don’t throw me out after this letter, I would love to see: the Grand-Canyon; the cave in Carlsbad; the Oregon coast; Carolyn’s dauphins in the Golf of Mexico; Alaska; the West Provinces; and Newfoundland… let me stop now with our bucket lists there are just too many items. As long you are there it should be so exciting.

Few years back, you started having small problem with your vision, you are now wearing glasses. I tried my best to help you… I gained weight so that you could see me better… there are no limits to the sacrifices I will do!

Me and you

You are a big part of the retirement plan, I am not just talking about the incomeJ or proof reading the blog; you will always be my best friend and my love.

Lovingly your husband,

Richard

P.S. What’s for supper???

If you are smiling… keep it up!