Marriage is one hell of a compromise, sometimes we have to give a little to get a little in order to get through certain disagreements that being in a relationship inevitably brings. I sometimes forget that I have a good man, a great man even; and admittedly I sometimes tend to take him for granted, but in the spirit of Valentine’s Day I cannot think of a better time to let both him and the World know how much I love, respect, adore and appreciate him.
1. He is Reliable
He is not the take out the garbage kind of reliable. Lord knows that there are too many times that I have to drag the garbage out myself on the night before Sanitation comes since my husband always forgets garbage day but he’s the kind of the mortgage is due on the 5th and it will get paid reliable. I can count on him for the big things, the important things.
Greg has a saying, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll wrap my arms around the situation and take care of it.”
The first time I heard those words from him was 3 months into our dating. I was faced with a seemingly daunting situation. Said situation had nothing to do with Greg. I was just sharing my plight with him since he was my boyfriend at the time. I didn’t expect him to fix it. I didn’t expect him to even assist me in any way. Greg saw it differently though. He didn’t like to see me sad or worried and he said as much. He told me he “would wrap his arms around the situation and take care of it” and he certainly did, much to my surprise and pleasure.
To this day, 6 years later, he still says those words to me, big problem – leaky roof; or minor problem – slow leak in my tire. Greg is always willing and ready to wrap his arms around any and all problems and fix it.
2. He Loves My Son
When I met Greg I had been divorced from my first husband for 9 years and was raising my son alone. Don’t get me wrong, my Ex was/is still very much a part of my son’s life but the reality is that he is a weekend Dad, more like an every other weekend Dad, so the bulk of the responsibility of rearing Blake, my son, fell solely on me.
The middle of the night fevers was all me. Teaching my son how to read and doing school projects with him was all me. Schlepping him back and forth to all his activities, which over the years included soccer, baseball, piano, Tae Kwon Do, the flute, football and swimming lessons all me. So Blake and I became a little team since it was just me and him for as long as I can remember. Like every parent, I love my child, therefore, my main concern with dating as a single parent was if you can’t love my child then we can’t date. We, Blake and I, came as a package deal, there is no having me if you can’t accept him.
When I split from Blake’s dad, you can read all about it here 5 Lessons I Learned from my Divorce, Blake was only a year old. I started dating again when Blake was barely 2 and I had the unfortunate experience of coming across men who didn’t care to hear me talk about my son, much less want to meet him, or didn’t understand when I had to cancel a date because I couldn’t find a babysitter.
I had a policy that I never wanted to date men who didn’t have any children of their own because they wouldn’t understand my obligation to my child so I was hesitant when I met childless Greg. Surely, he wouldn’t get it either; but what a pleasant surprise Greg proved to be when just a month into dating he suggested that the 3 of us hang out on a Saturday afternoon because he wanted to meet this Blake that I talked incessantly about.
Well, the rest they say is History, they bonded over skateboarding and watching WWE wrestling, and when Greg suggested that I allow Blake to stay up past his bedtime on weekends and I actually complied that was when Greg became almost God-like in Blake’s eyes. It didn’t take Blake very long to figure out that if he needed something from me it might be best to go through Greg first since it might increase his chances of getting what he wants.
The first time I heard Greg refer to Blake as “our son” I melted. I knew right then and there that he was a keeper.
3. He’s My Biggest Fan
Greg believes that I am “all that and a bag of chips”. Like seriously, this guy thinks that not only am I great but that I can do anything. He never ever doubts me, even when I doubt myself. I once read somewhere that if one person sees you as succeeding then you will succeed. Well, Greg is my one person.
During my seemingly endless dating years, I remember wishing for that one guy that would love me for me, with all my imperfections and idiosyncrasies. Someone who, no matter my shortcomings, would be able to accept me. Everyone seemed so judgmental and was looking for perfection, despite not being perfect themselves. I am oh so thankful that my husband doesn’t judge me and accepts our differences.
Greg doesn’t dim my light, he supports and encourages me. I remember waking up last year and out of nowhere told him I wanted to write a book but I needed to start writing a Blog first in order to hone my writing skills and build my voice. Despite having zero writing experience and publications Greg was excited for me and truly believes that I possess the talent to one day write a New York Times Bestseller. As I procrastinated, Greg would ask me every day had I started writing my Blog yet.
I have never had a partner that wanted me to shine as much as Greg. He sees my talents as limitless and that makes me believe in myself.
4. I Like How He Treats Others
Greg is so nice. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have wonderful things to say about him. When you first meet a man or a woman, listen to the way their own people talk about them. Greg is loved and I saw that quickly when he was among his co-workers and his friends. People like him and respect him.
A few months into dating, Greg and I were in a building looking for a specific office, we came across the Janitor and I will never forget the manner in which Greg spoke to him. He addressed the Janitor as “Sir” and was so respectful in his ensuing conversation with him. I think that was when I started falling for him.
I once went on a date with a guy who yelled at our waiter. The waiter had made an obvious mistake but being talked down to by my date was uncalled for. On the way home, we argued about the way in which he spoke to the waiter, that was the decline of “our getting to know each other” phase. How you treat others, especially those who might be lesser off than you, speak volumes about who you are.
I have always been delighted with the manner in which Greg talks to and interacts with everyone, be it the janitor, or the crossing guard, or the housekeeper; Greg is always kind and respectful.
5. He is Eye Candy
You know how sometimes you meet a guy or gal and they have such amazing personalities but they might not be physically your ideal but you’ll date them anyway because they are so sweet. Thankfully, I didn’t need to settle on physicality with Greg. I am very attracted to my husband.
At our wedding, we wrote and spoke our own vows to each other, I remember saying how very attractive I am to Greg and then mentioning that I never get tired of seeing him naked – I had all our guests in stitches – Poor Greg blushed so hard he turned visibly red…Well, I can safely say 6 years later I still like to see him naked. 😉
Happy Valentine’s Day, Greg! I know this blog post will surprise you.
Brilliant article. Patiently waiting on the book.
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Hahaha….Thank you so much. I appreciate the time you took to read this and I love your comment. 🙂
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Wow, sounds like you hit the jackpot lady! ❤
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He did too, Deb! I’m a hell of a catch. 😉
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Well, that goes without saying! You’re da bomb!
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This is so sweet, so touching and a pleasure to read. Greg, i must agree IS eye candy.
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Hahaha….Thanks, Kavitha. He’s not too shabby at all. 😂
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Rakkelle, it’s so lovely to meet you! Thanks for liking my comment at Kathy’s blog.
This is a fantastic post. I’m really inspired by your relationship with your husband. This almost made me cry:
“I once read somewhere that if one person sees you as succeeding then you will succeed. Well, Greg is my one person.”
Love #5 too. 🙂
Blessings.
Debbie
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Ahhhhh, thank you so much for reading, Debbie!
I appreciate you paying my Blog a visit, which I am now about to so with yours. I am even more delighted that you found a post that you liked that “almost’ evoked an emotional response from you. Readers like you are the reason I enjoy writing.
Thank you so much.
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I love this! Keep inspiring that way that you do!
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Thanks for reading, Maru!
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Such a beautiful tribute.
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Thank you, Goldie!
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Love this! I know Greg did too. So glad you found each other. Yours is a special, meant-to-be love.
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He enjoyed this Valentine tribute, he was touched and pleasantly surprised.
He really is a good man. Just yesterday I as in a mood, I had a lot to do and I was extremely overwhelmed. I was cranky and moody and he was so patient with me. When I woke up this morning I had to thank him for his patience yesterday.
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Not only is he a great husband, but a great human being!
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He really is. 💕
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Clone him! LOL. Did you already tell the story of how you met? Sorry, if I missed it.
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http://racquelwrites.com/2018/07/28/5-reasons-why-online-dating-works/
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Love this! I had a little luck with online dating, but not YOUR kind of luck! LOL
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😂😂 Luck is luck though, Sis, as long as it’s the good kind. 😉
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Thank you for sharing this. Funny though, I was just thinking of writing something similar .. about mine, not yours. 😉
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Go for it, Michelle. It’ll uplift him. Appreciation and recognition is so important.
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Wow….this is AWESOME! It is very obvious you love AND respect him. WTG!
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Thanks Boo! 💙🧡❤
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You are most welcome.
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Will you please tell him KT said thank you for being a good dad, husband, and human.
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Haha…I most certainly will, KT. Thank you so much. 🙂
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I like that you brag about your husband cause I’m sick of people complaining about the people that come into their lives that they choose to hate.
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I was once told that good things turn to shit if you don’t acknowledge and recognize so here I am showing appreciation for all that my husband is. I’m truly grateful for our little family.
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Great love story. I always enjoy reading your post whatever topic you choose. Looking forward to read the next post.
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This is SO wonderful Rac. Love you both and so happy to have witnessed this love story first hand!
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We love you too, Simms!
Thank you for your listening ear every step of the way, my BFF! 😘
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Thanks for reading, Charles. 🙂
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This is amazing! You have found a wonderful husband! Blessed!
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Beautiful! I love LOVE stories..
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😘 Me too….Thanks, Sis. Hope you had a fab Valentine’s Day.
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It was nice Sis…thanks =)
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I love this and I’m so happy for you. You give me hope for “real” love after divorce! Congratulations and thank you for sharing. 💜💜💜
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Thanks so much, Shantel!
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So sweet 🤗
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Thanks, Lisa 🙂.
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You did that to sweet Greg at your wedding?? LOL! You are hilarious. What a blessing to find such a wonderful soulmate that also loves your son. Happy Valentines to all of you!
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I sure did! 😂
Thanks Paula. Here’s hoping you and the family had a wonderful day.
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Rakkelle! You found what is the Holy Grail of men! He loves you and your son, he’s supportive and he is definitely eye candy. You my friend are the luckiest woman on earth! Happy Valentine’s Day to both of you!
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Huntress, and to think I found him online just hanging around waiting to be discovered and appreciated.
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Aww, such a sweet Valentine message! Loads of love to the both of you!! 💕
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Thanks, Heather!
Greg sends his regards to Aaron. 🙂
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I’ll pass it along!
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Beautiful well deserved tribute to your husband! ❤️
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So well deserved!
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It’s wonderful that you’re showing your husband so much love and appreciation. We all need this at times. 1 Corinthians 13:6-8 mentions that love “rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” This is a beautiful post.
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We can always rely on Corinthians for insight into love.
Thank you for reading, Heatherjo. I remember the last time you and I chatted. I’m glad you’re still reading my Blog. 🙂
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Of course! I love your posts.
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Awwww, that means sooooo much! Thank you!
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Wow this was a flawless letter to your husband.
Any man that don’t have any kids of his own thats willing to date a woman that has a child of her own and accept the child like the child is his own is defintely a keeper for show.
Its like you hit the lotto with your husband 😉
It takes a couple of failed relationships and unsuccesful dates to prepare you for the right one.
I wish the both of you many more years of a prosperous marriage
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Word!!!! You hit the nail on the head.
Thanks for stopping by, always enjoy your insightful commentary.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!
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Such a sweet and caring letter. Good for you two. Found each other and still make each other happy!!!
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Yeah, that’s me, sweet and caring. Learning all kinds of things from you, 007. 😂
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LOL, happy Valentines Day to you and Greg, Racquel
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Thanks 007, same to you and your wife. 🙂 Hope you’ve got some big plans for later.
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Not today Racquel, but one day hopefully. Another day at the pit, still digging us out!
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We don’t have anything planned for today either but tomorrow I plan to sit with him in the car for an hour and a half long ride to Jersey, then sit around and read while he conducts his business. If that isn’t love I don’t know what is. 😂
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Yeah, just being there.
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What a lovely tribute. He certainly does sound like a keeper!
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Yeah, I think I’ll keep him. 😉😃
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Don’t blame you. But I think his garbage removal skills still need a little tweaking…
😉
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🤣🤣 Working on it.
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This is so sweet! And I can confirm, Greg is a great guy. Happy Valentine’s Day to both of you!
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Thank you, Lynn! 💕💕
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Aww.. 🙂 ❤ I feel so much love reading this.
Happy Valentine’s Day to the both of you!
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So much feels in this one. 😂
Happy Valentine’s Day to you guys. 💕
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This has to be the best Valentine themed post I’ve read all day. So much emotion 😊
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day with Greg, Racquel!
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Thank you, Obinna! Hoping you’ll have wonderful day with you and yours. 🙂
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It’s so great to read! He sounds like a real catch!!! You write so well I can’t wait to read your book! 🙏🏻😌
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Awwwwww, Emma! You’re so great. Thank you for always complimenting my writing. 💕
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You really are good and write with so much passion… you’re book will be just amazing 🙏🏻😌
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So happy for you both 🙂 This post was just a warm fuzzy feeling read! Happy Valentines Day!
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Happy Valentine’s Day, Nova!
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Awwww, precious, happy tears for ya’ll. Happy Valentines Day
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Thanks; and the very same to you. 💕😘
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Have MERCY, Racquel. Those green eyes… Does he have a brother? (kidding).
You remind me of Coffee talking about his wife. You have the same zeal with Greg. If you start talking about wanting to eat his underwear like Coffee said about his wife, I’m gonna lose it. LOL!
I had to laugh at Blake learning to work an angle with Greg. “Mom said ‘no’, Greg. Can you help?”
Fly Blake to Australia. It could be a wonderful vacation for you and Greg. And, you could surprise Racheal. 😀
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Those green eyes, right Victoria! He had me at hello with those gorgeous eyes.
LMAO at the panty eating scenario. I like a bit of kink but eating underwear is too much even for me.
Blake still goes through Greg for all kinds of favors. They even gang up on me sometimes. Blake has found a true ally in Greg. 😂
If only I could pick his wife for him. Racheal with her wit and intellect would be perfect.
Thanks for reading, Victoria, your comment had me laughing out loud in my oh so quiet livingroom. 😃
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I am here to entertain, love. Glad I made you laugh. ❤
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Sounds like you made the right pick.
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Sure did, John Michael, sure did!
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🙂
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Fabulous! Hope you two have an amazing Valentine’s Day and a super happy weekend! 💖💖💖
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Thanks, Paula!
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Awww💞💞, see? That was beautifully written and straight truth. There are good men out there, and Greg is proof positive. 😊
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See?! Told you I wasn’t mushy. 😂😂😂
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But it was moist enough😅
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😂😂😂😂😂😂 I am literally laughing out loud. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
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Hee-hee😂😂😂
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This is beautiful. You are very blessed. I hope that I meet the right guy.
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OMG, Racheal, of course you will. I have no doubt you will….And if you don’t, my son is always available. 😂😂😂 I am only kidding.
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hahahaha!!!
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This is the most adorable thing I’ve read from a wife. Ever. Wow
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Awwwwwwww, Dorothy!!!! Thank you! So much…..😘
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You’re welcome.
And I must say, he is easy on the eyes. Have a wonderful Valentine’s with your love.😊❤
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Eye candy 😉😂. Thanks Luv, have the best Valentine’s Day!
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Goals, I tell you. Goals! I know Greg will love this.
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He will…Remember that part of our wedding?! 😂😂😂😂 He still reminds me of it.
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A tribute to the love of your life..I gotta add that he personality is consistent.. of the many times our paths crossed, He was super sweet… Love him from long time… #agreatguy… happy Valentine’s day…
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He is a genuine guy, Debbie. You know it. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Oneil. Thanks for reading and leaving such a nice comment.
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Just wow Racquel! I love how open you are about your love for Greg and this tribute right here beats a box of chocolates any day! Wishing you both a Happy Valentines Day…
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Thank you, Betty! Love how you always read and comment. Much love to you, Andrew and Gia! Have an amazing Valentine’s Day!
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Lovely, it comes straight from your heart. Enjoy Valentine’s with your Better half.💖😇
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Thank you. Have an amazing day, as well.
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Thanks for sharing this lovely love letter to your husband.
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Thank you for reading this lovely love letter to my husband, Rick. I appreciate your time.
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