On saying "I Love You"

"I love you." I still remember the first time I said those words to you - or rather, the way you pulled them out of me, asking "do you?" Of course I said I did, didn't you? Did I know then what our relationship would entail? The ups, downs, the laughter, the tears, and everything else in between?  No, I did not. But I knew that I loved you.
"I love you." Said day in and day out. On the sky lifts at the zoo, at the beach during family vacation, during long car rides, and after arguments. Said on boat rides on the lake, camping on the river, and while working on jet ski motors in the garage. Said during lunches out, dinners in, and while making breakfast together in our pjs.  "I love you." Whispered during our first dance, after the first kiss, and so many other times on the night we vowed to love each other for the rest of our lives. Thinking about that day and the promises we made each other, I still get heart flutters and teary eyes. Such a big commitment, made with such ease and assurance, I couldn't imagine it any other way. "I love you." Mumbled routinely before bed each night. Sometimes cuddled together, sometimes facing our separate ways, but always said. Reassurance, reminding each other - I'm still here, I always will be.  "I love you." Sometimes it isn't words, but actions. Mowing the yard, taking out the trash, scooping the cat litter, and especially washing the laundry. I'll do it so you don't have to - I love you. Picking up dinner or running to buy some ibuprofen. I'll do it, it's not a problem - I love you. In the big ways and the small ways, we say it every day. It's there, in the forehead kisses and the couch cuddles.  Sometimes I feel like I don't say it enough, so this letter is to let you know. I love you.
Always yours, This post is part of The Letter Link Up with Amber of Mr. Thomas & Me