Husband hides letters written to wife every day of 40-year marriage in attic

Love stories are often the subject of novels and movies, but few can compare to the real-life romance of Bill and Kirsten Bresnan. For over 40 years, Bill has been writing daily love letters to his wife, a tradition that has become a beautiful testament to their enduring love.

The First Encounter

In 1974, Bill Bresnan’s life changed forever when he saw Kirsten for the first time. As he stood in front of a classroom, preparing students for the securities industry, Kirsten, a “beautiful blonde,” caught his eye. Bill describes this moment as being struck by a “bolt of lightning,” an instant and profound attraction.

Early Days of Courtship

Their relationship began modestly, with the exchange of notes, drawings, and scribblings on paper napkins over coffee. These small gestures quickly turned into more thoughtful compositions as their bond deepened. Bill’s feelings for Kirsten grew stronger, and soon their coffee dates evolved into dinners, and their napkin notes became carefully written cards and letters.

Marriage and the Beginning of a Tradition

After a small, intimate wedding in New Jersey, Bill continued his heartfelt practice of writing to Kirsten. What started as simple notes turned into a daily ritual. Every day, without fail, Bill wrote a love letter to his wife, each one a unique expression of his feelings.

The Letters Take on a Life of Their Own

Kirsten cherished these letters, and soon they began to accumulate. She collected them in a scrapbook, a tangible representation of their love story. Over the years, this collection grew, filling 25 boxes stored in their attic.

A Lifetime of Love Documented

In 2015, as they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, Bill and Kirsten opened those boxes. Inside were over 10,000 letters, each one a piece of their shared history. Bill’s letters were more than just daily notes; they were a diary of their life together, chronicling everything from mundane daily activities to special moments.

The Content of the Letters

Bill’s letters often began with a recap of their day—a restaurant they visited, a movie they watched, and his reactions to these experiences. But beyond the day-to-day details, the letters were filled with personal sentiments and declarations of love. Each letter was signed with “I love you madly, my Darling,” followed by two kisses and an infinity symbol, symbolizing his endless love.

The Impact of the Letters on Their Relationship

This daily ritual did more than document their lives; it strengthened their bond. Bill’s consistent effort to express his love and appreciation kept their relationship strong and vibrant. According to Bill, the key to their enduring love was the constant work they both put into their relationship.

Challenges and Commitment

Even when they were apart, Bill never missed a day. He would mail postcards or write letters in advance to ensure Kirsten always received his words of love. As he aged, Bill worried about forgetting, but his dedication remained unwavering. In 2015, at the age of 74, he was still sharp and deeply in love with Kirsten. “My biggest fear now, given my age, is forgetting, but luckily I’m still pretty sharp,” he shared.

Advice for a Successful Marriage

Bill believes the secret to a successful marriage is that both partners need to work at it every day. He advises never to go to bed mad and to talk about everything, resolving issues before the goodnight kiss. “The key to any relationship is that you both have to work at it every day…And never go to bed mad. Talk about everything. Everything should get resolved before your goodnight kiss,” Bill said. This constant communication and effort to maintain their connection have been crucial to their lasting happiness.

Modern Relationships vs. The Bresnans’ Approach

Bill’s approach to love and marriage is a stark contrast to many modern relationships. He emphasizes the importance of direct communication and engagement. He laments seeing young couples at restaurants, buried in their screens instead of talking to each other. For Bill, treasuring the time spent together and truly engaging with one another is essential. “I see youngsters at restaurants sitting across from each other buried in their screens but never talking or looking at each other. I want them to enjoy the time they have with each other and treasure it,” he remarked.

Reflection on Their Journey

As Bill and Kirsten celebrated their 40th anniversary, they reflected on the significance of their journey. The letters were more than just a daily task; they were a symbol of their commitment and love. This tradition not only preserved their memories but also reinforced their bond, day after day.

Conclusion

Bill and Kirsten Bresnan’s love story is a beautiful example of the power of consistent, heartfelt expressions of love. Through daily letters, Bill has documented a lifetime of love and devotion, creating a treasure trove of memories that will last forever. Their story reminds us of the importance of communication, commitment, and cherishing every moment with our loved ones.