Our Journey: A Love Letter to Peggy

Posted on: December 10, 2025
By: Your greatest admirer, Steve

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There are moments in life when words feel too small for what the heart holds. As I prepare for surgery on the 17th, I’ve found myself thinking deeply about the woman who has given meaning to every chapter of my life: my wife, Peggy. This post is my attempt — imperfect as it may be — to put into words the appreciation, love, and gratitude I feel for her.

Where It All Began

I met Peggy in 1980 while working at K-Mart. I had no idea then how profoundly she would change my life. Our first date at the Pizza Hut on South High Street wasn’t anything extravagant, but it became the foundation of a lifetime. Something in her presence pulled me in — steady, bright, and full of quiet strength. That hasn’t changed for over four decades.

Being near her has always been enough for me. Conversation or silence, adventure or a quiet evening at home — simply existing next to Peggy brings peace to my world.

What I Admire in Her

Peggy is one of the strongest people I’ve ever known, both mentally and physically. She faces life with a determination and intelligence that continually amazes me. And her knowledge of the Ohio State Buckeyes? That’s a whole separate superpower. I may not share her passion for football, but I absolutely love watching her eyes light up when the Buckeyes win — a spark she inherited from her dad. Seeing that joy is one of my favorite things in the world.

Her Care, Her Love

Letting Peggy take care of me has always pushed me outside my comfort zone. Every time she cooks for me, bakes me cookies, or looks at me with love in her eyes, I feel humbled. Part of me feels like I’m failing at the job of being a husband when she has to take care of me — but I’m learning. I’m learning that allowing her to care for me doesn’t make me less. It simply means I am loved deeply and completely by a remarkable woman.

And when I’m not well, I see the hurt in her eyes. She tries to hide it, but I know it’s there. That’s what breaks me. But at the same time, that compassion, that devotion, is precisely what gives me the courage to face this surgery. I could not do this without her by my side.

Our Adventures Together

We’ve crossed an extraordinary amount of earth together. From the beaches she loves, to the wild places that speak to me — every trip has been a gift. Alaska, with its eagles and whales, felt like magic. Walking through Ephesus, exploring Greece, Rome, and countless remote corners of the world… these weren’t just vacations. They were shared moments that strengthened our bond and filled our lives with memories I will treasure forever.

No matter how far we travel, the best part is always her hand in mine.

The Love That Anchors Us

When I imagine our future, I see us sitting on a porch someday — two people who made each other better, who weathered life together and came out stronger. Our bond is powerful. It would destroy us if it were ever broken, but I don’t fear that. Our love has been tested, shaped, strengthened, and proven through time.

Peggy, if you’re reading this while I’m in surgery — or any moment when you need reassurance — please hear this:
I have lived a life that no human deserves, a life better than anything I could have imagined, because of you. Together, we’ve cheated the standards of the world, defied expectations, and built something extraordinary.

Looking Forward

I’m excited for all the adventures still ahead — especially when I move to 80% next year and retire after that. There are new paths to explore, new memories to collect. I want to spend those years traveling the world with you, appreciating the quiet moments, and soaking in every sunrise and sunset we get to share.

You transformed me from the geek with the pen protector and the pager hanging off my belt into the man I am today. You shaped me with love, patience, and a belief in me that I never found on my own.

I will always love you, Peggy. I will always be grateful to you. And even though it hurts me when you have to take care of me, I promise that for the rest of my life, I will do everything I can to take care of you, too.

Forever Yours

Peggy, you are my partner, my strength, my peace, and my forever love.
And every day — even the hard ones — I thank God that your path crossed mine in that K-Mart in 1980.