Dear Mom,

November 12, 2009
Dear Mom,

I wish we could have had this conversation in person. A few days ago, Tom talked with his dad about how much he loves me and how he wants to ask me to marry him as soon as possible. I would have loved to have had a similar conversation with you. You see mom, Tom truly is the love of my life. He is my best friend and I tell him anything and everything. I know from the depths of my soul that he is the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. I know we will have an amazing future together. He spent a lot of time talking to his dad about why he loves me and then they discussed how to put our future plans into action. So now mom, it is my turn to tell you why I love Thomas Barton Stidd.

If you ask Tom his goal in life he would tell you it is to make me happy and keep me safe. Even though I would never let him, Tom has mentioned putting his prized procession his Sonoma truck up for sale so he could buy me an engagement ring. When I had a cold last week, Tom went above and beyond to help me get better. Between getting me soup, orange juice, and making me rest I was better within a few days. Tom listens to all the stories about my Kindergartners and even though he has never met them, I am convinced that he loves that as much as I do. Tom’s family means everything to him and I am so honored that I am going to get to be a part of his family someday. His love for his dad and sister is so evident and watching him with his nephew convinces me that he will be an amazing father someday. Mom you know how much of a stressed out person I can be. But since I have been with Tom, my stress level has decreased beyond belief. Little things that use to drive me crazy barely faze me these days. I know Tom will always be on my side, and we know that if we communicate and work as a team, we can conquer anything. Mom I couldn’t ask for a better partner in life than what I have found in Tom. He is kind, sweet, generous, genuine, and loving. I know he would do anything for me and he makes me feel like he is so lucky to be with me. But in reality, I am the lucky one. Tom is the kind of guy who would never look at another girl. He tells me I am beautiful whether I am dressed up for a wedding, or in my pajamas with my glasses on and my retainer in. There are not a lot of guys out there like that. He is a true gentleman inside and out. And mom, I know you would have loved to have had Tom as your son-in-law. Look down on us, guide and protect us as we journey on together. Sometime in the near future, Tom is going to ask Daddy if he can marry me. My only wish is that he could have gotten to ask both of you…but I already know what your answer would have been.

I love you,
Jamie

Tom and I all dressed up for Kathleen's Wedding.

Tom, his nephew Alex (the world's cutest 2 year old) and I at Thomas the Tank Engine.