Today Leslie brought home a letter that she’s kept at her office for months. I reproduce it here, unedited, in honor of the commitment and devotion that I’ll be celebrating on Valentine’s Day, even if it makes me look like a love-sick puppy. (She corrected one or two grammatical mistakes on the original as an act of kindness. And she told me that she’d re-read this letter, on bad days, for solace. )

My Dearest Love Leslie,

I miss you terribly. I m counting the hours until I see you again. I’m rethinking my decision to leave you to go to Napa Valley for the Revels. I’m at a loss to explain and express how much I cherish you. I marvel at the strength of your spirit and am amazed by all that you accomplished and all that you faced. You remain true to yourself.  I know the outside impression you project often hides your inner feelings. I wish you could see how truly good you are. You make everything better. Your presence. Your being. Your energy. You make everything more sweet, interesting, fun, deep, real, lovely, meaningful, delicious. I count myself lucky for all the time I have been able to spend with you.

You have simplified my life in many ways because the question “What do I want to do?” has one consistent variable. You. Irregardless of what “it” is, I want to experience all of it with you. The “what” is less important than the “who” for me. I know this must be frustrating for you, but it is the truth. While lavish parties and decadent dinners are wonderful, so are taco trucks and ice-cream stands. Especially when I’m there with you. I know you sometimes think I’m reductive. And I may be a simpleton. But that is the way it is for me with you. I want to live and plan with you. With you.

I know there is much for me to do to create a better life for us. I will keep writing and keep talking and keep making connections. I think it will all head somewhere good.

Love, Randy