A Letter to Tisha Young
Tisha,
It’s hard to believe that as of Sunday we’ve been married 12 years. I’m sorry that the weekend didn’t make it conducive for celebration. I promise to make it up to you!
This is the last of my letters, at least for now. I’m writing it to you, because of earthly relationships yours in most important to me. Unfortunately, I don’t sense that words will suffice. I’m not even convinced I have them in me.
What you thought you were getting in me and what you got were two different things. Be that as it may, you have accepted this and adapted amazingly well. I’ve led you on a high speed roller coaster ride that’s been as rough as The Texas Cyclone and full of sharp turns like Space Mountain. I’m glad you like roller coasters though. I wish I could say all of it was purposeful, but we know the truth.
Things haven’t been easy, but I do believe that we were made for each other. As Eve was made for Adam, so you are taylor-made for me. You are the perfect complement. When I’m weak, you are strong. When you are weak, I am strong. That, alone, settles it for me. But we both know there’s a lot more to it than that. You are an amazing wife. I’m just sorry that I don’t show you that enough.
Thank you for being the spouse and mother you are. Like me, I think you are often too hard on yourself. I think we have amazing kids and we owe that to you. Thank you.
Thank you for your faith in God and your willingness to put your faith to the test. You’ve put James 2 into serious practice, and lives have forever been changed as a result. What you did for the Gappas was one thing, but you haven’t stopped there. Thank you for your willingness to quit just talking about faith and instead live thereby. You’ve been monumental in my life because of it.
I wish I had more certainty and clarity about what is before us, but I don’t. Thankfully, we are in this thing together for the long haul. So let’s climb either into the very front cart on our rollercoaster, buckle-up, and go for a ride.
With a Love that is from God,
Doug
Tisha Young
douglasryoung.net
Honey, you are right I love roller coasters!!! The faster the better, the more up and down and turn around the better! My personality fits this (and you put up with it
and so why should our lives be any different. Please don’t apologize for anything. You are the most honest, upright man I know and I could not make it through this life without you – you complete me (he, he). Thank you for the letters you have written. I am so proud that through them others can see a glimpse of the man who I have the previledge of calling my husband. Your mind amazes me, your personality fills me with joy and your compassion teaches me daily how to love. You are my rock. So yes I am buckled up, sitting in the front seat next to you ready for the ride of our lives…..
Ha! Tisha, I thought “Shut up, you had me at hello,” was coming next. LOL!
You guys are awesome! Happy Anniversary. I met you guys about a year after we all married that summer. It has been fun watching you guys grow over the years, as we all have. Your love and support for one another is so admirable. I have learned much from you both. And Tisha I agree with Doug. You are a hero in my eyes for what you did for the Gappas, and so is Doug and your family for supporting you in that. And the fact that you didn’t do it for accolades is demonstrated in that you both just keep going.
I am praying for you guys. I know you will be fine though. And I am glad you have one another and that your kids have ya’ll.
Cody and I love you guys…more than you’ll ever know!
Jay…I was thinking the same thing about, “Shut up. Shut up! You had me at Hello!” BTW, your friendship is a real privilege! Thanks for your comment.
uncle doug and aunt tisha!
i love yall so much and i hope that in my future i have the love and relationship that you and tisha have! yall have 3 amazing kids and faith that could move mountains! i know yalls relationship has had its ups and downs but i want yall to know that i look up to yall alot and hope i can find a husband that is half the man you are doug and tisha i hope i can be half the christian woman, wife and husband that you are!! i love yall and the kids soo much!! i cant wait to see ya this weekend1!
This is really beautiful. You two definitely are the perfect compliment to each other. Thank you both for such a wonderful example of a Christian marriage! We love you guys.
I just wanted to say how much I love the picture of Tisha…BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Oh and I expect your hands to be in the air and y’all both hollerin’ at the top of your lungs if you are in the first car of a roller coaster… that is the way it is done best!
I love and respect you both!!!
Both of you are my hero! We love you so much. I look forward to your letters to Tisha on your 60Th anniversary and all of those in between. It is always fun (and sometimes crazy), when we are together but moreover it is a witness to love and family and I am blessed to be a part of it.
Wishing you and Tisha all the very best!
Tami