We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.

— Anaïs Nin

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The first song on the playlist on the right, near the bottom is “I Will Stand By You”.  The lyrics to this song exemplify what Alpha Hubby has done for me.  This is what Alpha Hubby has meant to me.  This is what he said to me when we first married.  This is what, 21 years later, he still does, means and says to me.  How can this man not be a gift from God?

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It’s like a storm – that cuts a path
It’s breaks your will – it feels like that
You think you’re lost
But your not lost – on your own
You’re not alone

I will stand by you – I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
If you can’t cope – I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight – I will hold you tight
And I won’t let go

It hurts my heart – to see you cry
I know it’s dark – this part of life
Oh it finds us all (finds us all)
And we’re too small – to stop the rain
Oh but when it rains

I will stand by you – I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope – I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight – I will hold you tight
And I won’t let you fall

Don’t be afraid to fall – I’m right here to catch you
I won’t let you – down
It won’t get you down – you’re gonna make it
Yeah I know you can make it

‘Cause I will stand by you – I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope – and I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight – I will hold you tight
And I won’t let go

Oh I’m gonna hold you
And I won’t let go
Won’t let you go
No I won’t

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Baby, thank you for 21 years of support, love, happiness, and joy. Thank you for always being there for me in every situation – from the minor (Alpha Son leaving home) to the major (my parents’ deaths), through weight loss battles and insecurity.  Thank you that our life has been far more about sunshine and less about loss and cloudy days. Thank you for the laughter and silly times. Thank you for the adventures we’ve gone on and for the ones to come. Thank you for the amazing passion we have together and for always making me feel sexy and well-loved.

You have been my knight in shining armor and your armor has never tarnished in my eyes. You are the epitome of every fairy tale hero and I am so glad you love me.

I will stand by you, too.

.

I Won’t Let Go, Rascal Flatts – One of the co-authors of the song had this to say – so appropriate:  “…they intentionally did not define the song’s character, so that the message could be applicable in various situations:  ‘This could be something you’d say to someone in the family that’s a soldier, fighting overseas… or to your mom, dad, wife or husband… I felt it could also be God saying it to someone.'”