Eric
My husband, my love, my soul-mate, my forever. When we were married, the minister told us that God had made me for you, and you for me. I hold that in my heart to be the pure truth. You work so hard to care for our family, and you worry so much about whether or not you do everything you can for us, and whether it will be enough. It is. My sweet, if I could take away every worry in your head, I would in a heartbeat; instead, I give you all that I am and all that I have. I feel that I don't have enough of myself to give you sometimes, that my heart and my soul are not enough. How can they be, when you deserve the world?
Sam
Oh, Baby, the day you came into my life was the most spectacular of my life. Your laughter is my greatest treasure, and your smile is the air I breathe. I can't remember what I did with my life before you came along - I can't even remember who I was. You've added so more than an extra dimension to my life; you've altered every part of me to be more than I was. Being "Sammy's mommy" is more fulfilling than I ever dreamed possible, and I know that's because of the very special little boy that you are. I've known toddlers, and you are truly one of a kind. What great deed did I ever do, that I deserved you?
Mom
When I was a little girl, we fought like a couple of cranky alley cats. I know now that the source of our arguments was that we are so alike at the core, a matched set who didn't want to see it for fact. There was a time that I would have been mortified to the core to be told how like you I am. Now I know it for a blessing. You are a smart, competent, creative, funny woman, and I am so blessed to have had you as my mommy. You shaped me, through good times and bad, and you made me who I am today. I love you, and I'm proud of you.
Dad
When Eric said you called this morning to chat long-distance, two minutes before you and mom were supposed to hop in the car for a trip, I chuckled; it reminded me of all those times in college when you would write me little two-line letters (The Redskins won, and so did you, with a five-dollar bill tucked inside), or when you would call me before classes just to say you missed me. Your quirky humor is just one of the things I love about you, and I'll always cherish the small ways you told me you loved me without even saying it.
Cory
Have I ever apologized for all the wicked big-sister pranks I played on you when we were little? Probably not. Well, I am sorry, though going back, I'm not sure I'd change a thing; I'd be too afraid of accidentally altering the things that allowed us to grow up and become friends. You never know, that fistful of dirt in your mouth could have been character-shaping. I'd never do such a thing now, of course, and not just because you're bigger than me. Love you, kid.
My in-laws
For all the complaining I've done over the years, both to your faces and behind your backs (whoops, you didn't know about that, did you?), I want you to know that I feel well and truly lucky to have such a fantastic pair of people for mother- and father-in-law. You did the finest job imaginable in raising my husband to be the wonderful man he is, and you continue to be a gentle and loving part of all of our lives. Thank you for being there for us whenever we need you.
Amy
You've been my best friend since kindergarten, and you continue to be the woman in my life with whom I can talk about anything and everything. I have no secrets at all from you, and I love that. Every woman needs a friend to whom she can be completely open, and I'm so very blessed to have that in you. Being the shoulder upon which you can cry, too, means more to me than you'll ever know; I realize the weight of that role, and I feel honored to be that person for you. I love you, Ames.
Betsy
When I think about you, I feel inspired to be greater than I am. The day I met you, I knew that I wanted to be like you; you exuded an enthusiasm for life, nature, motherhood, and God that filled me with awe. We became friends, and I found you to be as genuine as I had hoped. With so few truly honest people in the world, I feel lucky to have met and become close to you. You're a light in my life.
Dawn
I don't think you can realize just how much of a role-model you are to me, especially as a mother. Daily, there is always at least one moment where I find myself wondering what you would do in a given situation. Before I became a mother, I was in complete awe of your parenting skills; now I find that awe doubled and tripled. If I can nurture Sam half as well as you do your young men, he'll be one of the luckiest boys on earth. Thank you for helping me through the woods.
Javier
The man behind the scenes, you are. Eric frequently points to your generosity, saying, "Do you realize just how much he's giving you? He hosts your entire site, gives great tech support, and doesn't ask a dime in return!" Well, I do realize it, and words can't express just how grateful I am. This journal has changed my life, and it wouldn't be possible without you. Thank, you, thank you, thank you.
Ray
When I learned that there was a yarn store had opened up near our home, I was happy. When I met you, the man who owned and ran the store, I was pleased. When I grew to know you, to see what a helpful, giving, and generous person you are, I felt blessed. You've helped me with difficult stitches, played with my son while I chose yarns, and chatted with me over pattern books. I look forward to each and every visit to your shop, and I hope you'll be there for years and years to come.
My many, many wonderful online friends
How could I possibly call out only a few of the many great friends I've made over wire and ether? From mailing list friends (Gina, Bekki, Leslie, Vicki,Jo, MC, Helen, Michelle, Kim, Stephanie, the ladies at SAH-AP, and all of my other listservs), fellow journal-writers with whom I've grown close (Aimee, Amy, Jennifer, Sherry, Steph, and countless others who I've forgotten here or who have blessed me without knowing they have) and the men and women who have been moved to write to me by something they've read. I'm so very grateful to have you all in my life, and I am literally moved to tears thinking about how you've enriched my daily existence.
I am nothing without others; I am who I am because of how others have shaped me. Thank you all for making me the woman I am.
