Dear Eddie: There are so many things in my life that are taken for granted. At the northern end of what became Tropical Storm Irma, we had it easy, especially given what Texas and Florida family and friends experienced. In our area, wind, trees and transformers did not mix well. The Freeman’s ancient oak flipped out of the ground and across the highway, taking out a pole with banks of wires—Bam–no power, no gas and no direct way out of town for three days. I couldn’t count the number of times I flipped a light switch to no avail. Dark house, dark refrigerator, dark bathroom, dark stairs, dark walk to the bus when school resumed. Power, access, gas – all taken for granted.

I flipped the switch at some point, and my heart cried out, “Please don’t let me take Eddie for granted.” Being married with you includes being reliable and counting on each other, yet, I never want to lose the sense of thankfulness and wonder I have for you. You make you and me a priority. You look out for me and our family in your own Eddie-perfect ways with at home breakfasts (“better than at Grandparents’ Breakfast at school”), suppers in the treehouse, veggies from the garden, lots of hugs and wrestling, and a million signature songs. “I love you a bushel and a peck,” and I never want you to feel taken for granted.

Love, Sylvia