Marry Someone

Dear Rosie & Buddy,

One of my biggest hopes for both of you is that someday you will each find the kind of love that I share with your father.

Marry someone not because you think you can change them into something else, but because you love who they are right now and the potential of what they could become.

Marry someone not because you are lonely, but because you feel like if time were eternal, you still wouldn't have spent enough days with them.

Marry someone who you can talk easily and at length with, not just on the first date but 12 years later.

Marry someone who can make you laugh, even when you don't feel like it.

Marry someone who doesn't hesitate to say "Not at all" when you say: "Do you mind if I go to the creamery to get some space and write?" after you've been at home with the kids all day.

Most importantly: marry someone who encourages you to have time to yourself, time with your friends and family and time with him or her. You can only give your best to the world when you know exactly who you are, and when you have solid relationships with the most important people in your life.

A true partner will help you achieve your highest potential. This is what your father does for me daily, and I love him a little more each day because of it.

Love,
Mom