This year together
You’ve maneuvered wisely
You’ve used your words, screaming at times, breathless at times
You’ve said what you wanted
You wanted time
My time, with you, your terms
You spoke your need
You worked the family and the calendar and the traditions
Scaled the barrier and brought a dream into fruition. 
You also shared a joy, created an opportunity and dreamt big. 

I’m so proud of you. 
Not only proud: humbled
Not only humbled: moved, changed, altered, bettered.
And in This Year Together we’ve gained so much. That’s your doing.

We’ve struggled. 
We’ve screamed.
We’ve raged and rebelled. 
We’ve separated, and-catching our breath-we’ve come back together.

Many years from now something fruitful, meaningful, important will bloom in you. Maybe a love, a need, an honor or a purpose.
The seed of that fruit is being planted right now.
(Lord help my unbelief!)
This is a time of loss, separation and frustration.
This time is preparing you for what’s needed and blessed in the future.

Amidst This Year Without You’ve been a balm to my soul.
I will never forget This Year Together.
I will never forget This Year of Sacrifice.
I will never forget This Year of Loss.
I will never forget This Year of Loss.
I will never forget This Year of Doing the Right Thing.
I will never forget your charm, grace and humor at the right time.
I will never forget This Year Together.