Three Things

About a year ago, I was with Matt’s parents. It was just the three of us on a long car ride from Arizona to California, when Matt’s dad turned to me and asked, “Kris, what three things do you love about Matthew?” 

Before I go any further, it’s a Jamaican thing to give enduring nicknames to loved ones. “Kris” is mine. And if you’re wondering, it’s off limits except to a select few in my circle.  

Three things came to me rather quickly. And since it is our anniversary today, I thought I would share them publicly.

#1  He’s genuine. He says what he means, and he backs up his words with actions. I’ve never doubted from our first few dates to right now that he loves me, and he’s with me for the long haul.

#2  He leads me and our family well. He does this by treating me as a teammate, with God at the center.  From parenting, to making big decisions, to handling finances, to choosing what to watch on TV, he values my input and treats me as an equal. 

#3  And most importantly, he makes me laugh everyday. This is by far my favorite quality, because who doesn’t like to laugh? There is never a day that goes by that I don’t laugh at something he says. Even when we have faced the most trying and challenging times, we have found there is always something to laugh about. 

Because it is impossible to have just three things after this long together, here are a few extra favorites in no particular order:

• He’s a great gift giver. This trait, however, has developed over the last few years, and is pretty spot on right now. Yay for sticking to the wish list, Honey!!
• He watches the Bachelor with me. There is no better way to feel good about your marriage, than a little dose of reality TV.
• No matter how stressful his day is, he always checks in with me to see how I’m doing and if I need help with anything. It’s not always realistic that he can drop everything to help me, but I know that is his heart’s desire. 
• He turns on my favorite country music station when I ride in his car, even though that is the last thing he wants to listen to.
• He speaks truth into my life that is wrapped in grace and love.
• He always gives me his last piece of chocolate. Oh wait. My bad. We are still working on this one.

At the end of the day, he’s my favorite, and there’s no one else for me.

I love you, Matthew Keane!  Happy 21 Years!! 

(Who are those little kids dressed up so fancy?)