Ode to my Wife.

I am grateful to have a reason this week to publicly express my gratitude from my better half. I am so thankful for who she is and that she saw enough in me to take a life changing chance and say yes to a dorky guy on one knee. Best thing that's ever happened to my life. Hands down.

As most of you know (though all 3 of you who read this probably knew before I did), since returning home from her mission to Mongolia about a year and a half ago, Jessica has faced the challenge of some lingering health problems contracted while serving the Lord. Us and her doctor are still not quite sure what happened but thankfully seem to be on the right path to finding complete recovery. I bring this up not to embarrass, to invoke pity or to ask for sympathy but to demonstrate the power and capacity of character that is found within Jessica. Aside from the occasional "blessings of NOT serving a mission" joke I have never once heard or sensed the slightest bit of regret or bitterness for her faithful 19 months of service as Sister Hunt. How lucky we are, both here at home and abroad, for her strength and courage. The world is better off because of who Jess is.

I am so lucky to have her in my life. Despite the times I keep her up way longer than she would like, manage to dirty the half the dishes and most of the apartment just getting ready for school, loose our utensils in my backpack when I take a lunch, or put the ketchup in the frig as opposed to the cabinet, she loves me. I am so glad to have someone who puts things "where they go" and can direct me to them when I am scrambling out the door. Or to have a well-read-spelling-bee champion to proof my papers. Or someone to make me food that makes me feel good after I eat it every time. The list could go on but I think the message is clear that I need her and appreciative beyond words that she does not mind.

Most importantly, I am so gratefully for the things that she provides in my life that are so much bigger than the day to day of our existence. She makes me smile, she makes me cry, she makes me laugh and manages to do all 3 at the same time on some occasions. I have never been one to be able to turn off my brain and just be but for the first time in my 23 years that happens and it only happens when I am with her. She is my assurance that today will be a good day because she is in it.

Thanks Jess. I mean it.

Jake