Meli's world

Last week we celebrated the beginning of us. 12 years since I became your girlfriend and my life has never been the same. I decided I wanted to write you a letter like those we wrote in class so many times and folded in a special way. I don't know what we thought in our teenage minds about life, but one thing was for sure, I loved our friendship. You made me smile and I couldn't wait to go to school just to see you the next day waiting by the gym like you always did You were smart, funny, and had a fresh humor... you were able to insult.me and compliment me in the same sentence. You challenged me to speak up, to not wear make up, to do things that would make me uncomfortable and help me grow.... you helped my English and did my homework for Algebra 2..... you took buses and taxis just to see me. You would take the city bus all the way to Albertsons with me just so I wouldn't be alone. You spoiled me with all types of stuffed animals and surprises. You introduced me ...

The above picture was taken in 2011 when Emeli was just 1 month old. It was one of our first family pictures as a family of 4 and also our first date night after having her. I found this picture today while looking for a throwback picture to post on facebook.  I remember being so scared having another baby. She was not in our plans... We were still living at my parents house and didn't have things in order. I was scared of another c-section, of not being able to provide, and of not being able to split myself between Manny and her. Silly fears.... Almost 4 years later, I gotta say looking back at what God has done is one way to remain grateful. I can sing of His goodness forever! The C- section was less painful than I imagined and I went home on the second day. We bought our first home just a couple months later. God has made all the numbers and finances work. There is a love that has been multiplied in my heart for both my Em & Ems. And seeing Manny become a big broth...

Mi amor, 10 years ago today we got ready in our black and white attire and headed to court with our dads.... to get married! I  remember walking together in that court room, bashful, nervous, and without really comprehending the commitment we were making. I remember thinking if we could make it for the next ten years, we could make it for life. I knew then the road would be hard, unknown, doubtful, and full of obstacles, but I didn't know then it was possible to love you more now. I loved you then. I was crazy head over heels, no logical thinking-in love with you. You made me smile, laugh, study, work, not wear make up, laugh at everything, not worry about what anybody had to say. We grew up together...from school, studying, skipping, graduating, learning how to drive, getting jobs, and becoming adults. We had plans, we made mistakes, we overcame, we set goals, we made two beautiful Em & Ems and have grown closer together than I could...