Letters My Gratitude

Dear Phil,

As the season of reflection approaches, I feel compelled to share my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for you. These past four years have been a challenging journey, particularly during and after COVID, but your unwavering support has made all the difference in my life.

From the very beginning, you stepped into the role of caregiver without hesitation. Your countless acts of kindness—cooking meals, cleaning the house, doing the shopping—have not only helped me physically but have also been a source of comfort during tough times. It’s hard to express how much your efforts mean to me. Each meal you prepared was infused with love and care, reminding me that I was not alone on this journey. You have a way of making even the simplest dish feel like a feast for the soul, nourishing me not just in body but also in spirit.

I often think back to the days when I felt my worst, battling the exhausting effects of recovery. There were moments when the weight of my challenges felt insurmountable, when minor setbacks loomed larger than life. Specifically, I faced the struggle of weight gain that chipped away at my confidence, causing me to feel unattractive and defeated. Yet, through it all, you looked at me with an unwavering gaze and told me I was beautiful and fine. Your reassurance lifted my spirits even when I couldn’t see the beauty within myself. Those words were a balm to my heart, echoing in my mind when I needed encouragement the most, and they were a significant reason I found the strength to push through those daunting moments.

Your support extended far beyond words. You tackled every task with ease, from washing bedding to cleaning windows, never once complaining or faltering. You embraced every aspect of caregiving wholeheartedly, transforming our home into a comforting sanctuary during the hardest of times. Each task you undertook symbolized your love and unwavering commitment to both our home and our relationship. Your actions expressed what words sometimes cannot; they were a language of love and dedication that I cherished deeply.

I also recall the moments when my frustration would occasionally boil over, and how, even in those trying times, you chose patience and understanding. It’s in those moments that you truly revealed your character, showing strength beyond measure. You turned the other cheek, standing strong when I felt weak. Your ability to stay calm in the storm taught me resilience and offered me a glimpse of the wonderful and steadfast partner I am blessed to have by my side.

Your remarkable ability to balance everything while caring for me speaks volumes about your strength and dedication. You managed to keep our home running smoothly, providing me with a safe space where I could focus on healing and self-discovery. It is a true testament to your love and dedication to our life together, making each moment we spend in this home something to treasure.

As I reflect on everything you’ve done for me, my admiration for you grows deeper and deeper. You are not just my husband; you are my partner, my steadfast supporter, and my biggest cheerleader. Your belief in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself, has been invaluable and a cornerstone of my recovery. You have stood by my side through every high and low, offering encouragement, hope, and an unwavering love that inspires me daily.

Thank you for your endless love, for believing in us, and for your tireless support. Your kindness and strength have been a guiding light in my life, especially during my recovery process. The way you’ve held space for my feelings while encouraging me to regain my strength has made all the difference. I am forever grateful for everything you do, both big and small—each gesture, each kind word, has created a foundation of love and trust that I treasure.

With all my love,

Marie