Los Angeles-based couple Tim and Molly Murphy have reduced us to emotional wrecks this week thanks to an adorable list entitled ‘Reasons I Love My Wife”.
Tim wrote the list on a mirror in the couple’s bedroom to show Molly, who has suffered with depression, just how much he loves her.
Molly took to Imgur to share the list with the caption: “I’ve been depressed lately. Thankfully my husband seems to get the whole “for better, for worse…” thing.
She said that Tim had intended to write 100 reasons on the list but that she returned home early from her trip so he didn’t have an opportunity.
Here is Molly’s post in full:
The list says:
1. she is my best friend
2. she never quits on herself or me
3. she gives me time to work on my crazy projects
4. she makes me laugh, everyday
5. she is gorgeous
6. she accepts the crazy person i am
7. she’s the kindest person i know
8. she’s got a beautiful singing voice
9. she’s gone to a strip club with me
10. she has experienced severe tragedy yet is the most optimistic person about humanity i know
11. she has been fully supportive about my career choices and followed me each time
12. without realizing it, she makes me want to do more for her than i have ever wanted to do for anyone
13. she’s done an amazing job at advancing her career path
14. small animals make her cry
15. she snorts when she laughs
I’ve been juggling a LOT lately. Trying to do well at work. Just got married. Couldn’t afford a wedding. Family is sparse. Falling out with friends, yaddadyadda. But, the thing is, amidst all the struggle, my husband has relentlessly tried to cheer me up. I’ve not been the easiest person to deal with. In fact, sometimes I’ve lost all hope and even taken my frustration out on my new husband. But he somehow forgives me every time. I have a long journey ahead of me, and I know he probably realizes I’m depressed. But he holds my hand, and he tries his best. Today when I came home from a trip to SF, I flopped onto my bed in tears. I looked to my left, and saw these words painted all across my mirror. I think he wanted me to remember how much he loves me. Because he knows how quickly I forget. He knows I struggle to see good in the world, and especially the good in myself. But here it is. A testament and gesture of his love. Damn, I needed it today…
I’m not saying mental illness is cured by nice words on a mirror. In fact, it takes professional care, love, empathy, sometimes even medication just to cope. Many people struggle with it mental illness – more than we probably even realize. And instead of showing them hate or anger when they act out. Show them kindness and remind them things can and WILL get better. Everyone needs a little help sometimes. If that person can’t be you – see if you have any resources for therapy.
EDIT: The thing is… I am not “too good” or “not good enough” for my husband. We all have our down days. And sometimes we don’t handle it well. BUT, we are partners. He is here for me when I’m down. And I cherish that. And he has his down days, too. And I will be there to hold his hand, just like he holds mine. Life can be hard. The answer is never to mock, scoff, or belittle someone. Be kind. Be the best version of yourself. And be most of all- be patient.
I’m still struggling, but I’m glad I have my other half to help me make it through. It may just be a few words on my mirror, but I’ll look at them when I wake up and know I’m not alone. I’ll know I have my bestfriend, my co-pilot in life to help guide me through.
