a belated birthday wish to my husband.

He is truly an amazing man.

Recently, not only was it Valentine’s Day, it was the birthday of my ever-loving and kind husband George.

George and I have been together nearly 9 years, married for over a year. We have grown into adulthood together since we first met in Suzhou, China.

When we first got together, we quickly became inseparable. We both met as teachers, and our students used to tease us when they saw us constantly talking and eating together.

“Oooooooh! Miss Katie and Mr. George!”

One time, while hanging out at the Camel Sports Bar in Suzhou, an amateur photographer took photos of us across the tables.

“I’ve never seen two people so in love before,” he said to us.

It’s that love that has carried us through nearly a decade. I don’t know what I would do without George as my rock.

We both have wandering spirits. We went from China to Thailand together. We rode e-bikes across the Chiang Mai countryside. When I wanted to relocate back to the United States, he followed with me despite the distance from all his friends and family.

If you’ve been following my writing, you know currently I’m not in a great place at the moment. George has loved me through all the ups and downs. I appreciate his patience with me. I appreciate everything he’s done to try to get me to a healthy place.

Love in the face of dark times is a beacon of light. When I feel like I’m in darkness, George shines brightly to lead me out of the negative thoughts in my mind. I can’t imagine life without him.

Here are two journal entries I wrote at the beginning of our relationship:

Mr. Robinson - 12/20/2016

I feel excited to get to know George. He’s always in my thoughts. Who would have thought, but George and I have a lot in common. When we talk, I feel like I’m unravelling a mystery. I want this to continue. The laughs and care seem genuine. I don’t know where this will go, but I want it to go somewhere. I want to develop this. It’s not a whirlwind romance, but something is growing. There is something I can feel. I don’t know what it is, but I want to continue getting to know him. I want to continue this good feeling. He is really a mystery I’d like to unpack. The awkward, shy boy who out of his shell has so much to say. I’ll keep this going.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - 1/1/2017

George says he loves me. I love him. I’ve spent so much time with him and still haven’t gotten sick of him. I look at him and smile. He’s on my wavelength. When I think about having to leave him, I cannot bear the thought. We don’t want to let go. I woke up to him on Christmas; I woke up to him on New Year’s; I want to wake up to him every day of my life. […] I never want to stop. Here’s to 2017. A New year and a new possibility. A hope that everything is finally turning out the way I want. I can begin the path of studying for a masters; I can have my love by my side; I can begin my life! 2017 could be the beginning of a new adventure!

Now, years later, I feel the same warm sentiments I expressed all those years ago. I am grateful that I get to wake up to such an amazing person every day of my life. I wish I could express to him how happy he makes me feel despite all the dark thoughts I’ve been dealing with recently. He is deserving of all the praise and love in the world.

Happy belated birthday to the most wonderful man! I wish you the best, longest, happiest life possible!