7

August 30, 2020

Dear Kip,

I’m not quite sure how it’s possible that we have been dating for six months.  It seems like yesterday …and a lifetime ago… that you met me in the parking lot next to my house so I could see your face and hear your voice for the first time. 

The world has completely changed in the last six months.  There is a global pandemic forcing businesses, schools, and families to operate differently than normal.  Unless you are in the mask-making business or Amazon, your business is probably struggling.  Schools are delaying start dates and operating on an alternative schedule or at a distance. And families are staying put.  The United States is experiencing social unrest as people fight over whose lives matter.  The election has both matters underfoot and the political divide is tearing this country and its people apart.  It really is a time of unrest and uncertainty all around.

But somehow, in the last six months, our families have continued reaching milestones.  Liberty graduated from high school, Jeffrey finished 8^th grade at EFS and started high school, Zoe married Ryan and Shamus stole the show, Sampson and Gabby bought a new house, Tyler and Jaxon are busy mountain-biking, Scout is working and opened a bank account, Macy is enjoying being a tween and driving the golf cart around town to hang out with friends, and Rebel started Kindergarten.  You and I are talking about moving in together and building a greenhouse.  Life goes on.  Life must go on, even amidst all the chaos. 

The thing about life for both of us is that we were fine without each other.  Six months ago, we were both fine.  Content.  But if there’s a chance to be better than fine, why not take it?  We get this one life, a few short years on the planet together.  Sure, fine is easy and great might be messier, harder, but with you it will be worth it.   

Love you always,

Brandy Lynne

6

August 4, 2020

Dear Kip,

When I started writing letters to you, my plan was to write you one letter every month from then until forever.  I barely made my June deadline and I completely missed a July deadline.  The thing is is that I didn’t miss writing you a love letter because I didn’t have anything to say, I have just really struggled to find my words lately. 

I started to write you a letter about the eight different types of love and how my love for you evolves with different life experiences, but I couldn’t put my thoughts together.

I started to write you a letter about how safe I feel around you and how important that is to me.  I am a woman who wants a protector, not because I cannot protect myself, but because I believe in the value of the roles we have in our relationships.  Yet as I wrote, the words didn’t seem right for the message. 

I started to write you a letter about how much I appreciate your kids making a point to get to know my kids and me.  I will never try to be your kids’ mom, just as I know you will never try to be a dad to mine. But I will promise to love them unconditionally.  I will be there to support them and love them no matter what.  But nothing I wrote seemed quite right when trying to capture the magnitude of my feelings. 

I guess I just couldn’t find my words in July.  Maybe I will in August?  If I do, I’ll write you two letters.   

Love you always,

Brandy Lynne