Happy Anniversary Melissa Holtan!!!!

Today is a day I have been excited about for awhile now, and being in Iraq has helped me learn more about myself, but it has also helped me learn more about the LOVE I have for my wife and family! Most people that know me just know how much EVERYTHING revolves around family for Mis and I, and I guess tht is what drew us together 11 1/2 years ago. We were at the same point in our lives and were looking for the same thing. Well, if some don't know that the first time I met her was in our NG unit(She was in the Army as well). Well, I had transferred from my first NG unit after active duty and my first drill in Cottage Grove I saw her in the FRONT of the chow line, while I was in back, and from the back of her head, I honestly thought: "She would make an awesome wife" Yep, never met her before, but I thought that. I got her!
Well, we have been married 10 great years, and for people who say marriage is hard, well, I guess I am lucky, because with you Mis, it is EASY! Life is easier with you as my wife. Life is more fun with you as my wife. Life is in focus because you are my wife.
I can say times get tough, and a lot of people do say that about relationships. Our relationship is NEVER tough. She is the one I WANT to go to with EVERY crisis, and every downfall. She is the one who supports me know matter WHAT dumb comment I make. She lets me be me, and I am greatful! Yes, we truly are ONE! And I am better as a person because she has blessed my life as my partner!
Mis, you sent me this sweet ring that I am posting a picture of and if I can tell a story of the origional ring that I got married with. Yes, for ME, it is a little embarrassing, but the fall we got married, I was gonna pay for college, so I stopped by the financial institution she worked at and got $ to pay for tuiton. Well, I don't know if we agree who's idea it was to give me $1000 in cash, but whatever, I left with $1000 cash to go and pay. Well, I think I may have even joked with her about passing right by the college and going to Mystic Lake Casino with all that loot, and trying my hand at Blackjack!!! Ha! Ha! Ha!, you say right? Well, I will be damned if that isn't EXACTLY what happened, I passed right by the college, and went to Mystic Lake.
3 days later, Mystic Lake had completed the transaction for me of withdrawing my money!
Not my most shining moment, so we were scheduled to buy MY wedding ring, or actually had already bought it, and needless to say, we took it back and bought one for $1000 cheaper!
That is no joke, and neither is gambling. Although I love it and to play Blackjack, I learned my lesson!
So back to the day, Mis, I LOVE YOU MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF! I am a better person because of you, and you make me whole! Thank YOU for loving me!
I am sorry I cannot be there this day, I will have PLENTY to give you when I get back.
Thank you for the ring, the picture collages , and for choosing ME!
Thanks for helping me create the best kids in the world!
I LOVE YOU!
Erik