I Am Beautiful To Him

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• I Am Beautiful To Him

by Emily Taylor

Updated: Oct. 5, 2023

Originally Published: Feb. 11, 2016

Dear Partner,

On February 17, we’ll mark another anniversary together. Ah, the Valentine’s Day wedding—14 years. For some, that’s just a blink; for others, it’s a milestone. For me? It’s everything.

We all know that marriage can be a tough gig. We’ve watched many unions fall apart, and we’ve seen others shatter under the weight of life’s challenges. It’s not for the faint-hearted. Instead, it requires a constant effort to reach for one another amid the chaos of the world. There are times when we get weary, when one of us wants to give up while the other desperately tries to hold on. We’ve flowed through many seasons, balancing that delicate push and pull, sometimes lifting each other up, and at other times offering just a sliver of what we have left. That’s the nature of marriage.

I’m genuinely thankful we’re still reaching for one another. As we celebrate 14 years of this adventurous dance, I want to express that through every twist and turn, there’s been one unwavering way you’ve shown your love for me. It has been the most enduring part of our journey together, nourishing my spirit and imparting a message that I believe every woman should hear, yet many don’t.

You always tell me I’m beautiful.

That may seem like a simple gesture, but you may never fully grasp its significance to me.

I believe you—not just when I’m all dressed up and feeling pretty. It’s when I’m at my lowest, when every reflection in the mirror reveals what I perceive as my ugliest self. You see, standing in the shower, trembling with pain, feeling broken and bruised, stitched and swollen, I felt far from beautiful. Yet, you stood by my side, guiding me through those moments.

Even in my most vulnerable state, groggy from medications and struggling to find my balance, you were my rock. You helped me wash away the pain, gently touching my body, acknowledging all the scars, bumps, and bruises. And amidst the tears, you whispered, “You are so beautiful,” over and over again.

For weeks, this became our routine. Each time, you lifted my spirits with those words. Thank you, my love, for consistently reminding me of my beauty. You’ll never know how profoundly your words affect me.

After my sister was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and learned she has the BRCA1 mutation, she urged me and my siblings to get tested. My results came back positive. With a family history of this monstrous disease, I sought the advice of a breast surgeon who recommended immediate action.

I chose to undergo surgeries that would change my life—removing what once defined my womanhood in the hope of a healthier future for my family. I had three surgeries: a double mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and a full hysterectomy at just 42. It wasn’t easy, but I knew it was necessary. My sister’s bravery in facing this battle gave us the gift of knowledge, and I am forever grateful.

I knew I would always be a woman without my breasts or uterus, but you, my partner, make me feel like a woman regardless. You remind me every day that I am beautiful to you.

This article was originally published on Feb. 11, 2016.

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In summary, love is a dance filled with challenges and triumphs. The journey we share reminds us of the strength found in each other, and your unwavering support continually reinforces my sense of beauty and womanhood, no matter the circumstances.