Living the years in my recovery journey I am convinced that one of the greatest predictors of living in freedom from an eating disorder is the support we surround ourselves with. The journey is difficult. It is so hard. The people we have by our side to walk with us, often carry us at times. My treatment team and my friends, whom I consider family, have been there to cry with me, hold me, and give me accountability. I would not be where I am today without them.
There is one person, in particular though, I owe my life to. He is my husband. This man has been through so much with me. He never once told me I was too much! He was always there to support me, and remind me why I wanted to keep trying every day.
Today is our 25th anniversary! We have done a lot of life together…the good, bad, and the ugly. I love this man more than words can say, but I tried when I wrote this love letter to him.
My Love Letter…..to my husband.
I love you for so many reasons. You live out what unconditional love looks like.
You refused to let the eating disorder, which lived between us for so many years, hide the p
erson I really was. You loved me when I was sure I was unlovable. You reminded me that you loved me for who I was, not for what I did.
You stepped away from the demands of your career to care for me and for our children when I needed a higher level of care. Never once did you complain. I was fragile as I left the eating disorder treatment center, and you were the Rock of our family as I struggled to walk forward in my recovery journey. You faced the giants of the insurance company, willing them to continue coverage for my treatment and care.
You gently took me by the hand, and whispered love and truth to me in the silence
of my emptiness and shame. You told me that we would walk this journey together, that I would not be alone. You kept showing me your love was strong. It was never-ending. Your love was healing as I let you wrap me up in your arms.
I know that I would not be able to enjoy the freedom I have today in recovery if you had not been by my side. My journey has been arduous. Our path together has not been easy. We have hung onto each other and learned to not take a single day for granted.
I know that I am blessed beyond measure, and you, my husband, are the biggest blessing in my life. So, today, as we celebrate 25 years of m
arriage, I know deep down our next 25 years will prove that unconditional love wins every time…every single time.
I love you!