23 Years Later- What that 21 year-old bride Did Not Know...

Today is our 23rd Wedding Anniversary.  As I think about that, I am reminded that I was only 21 years old when I promised to love and honor in good times and bad, sickness and health and all the other promises we made that day. 

My 21 year old self did not know what would be embedded in those 23 years.  I knew we wanted children but did not think it would take 13 years for that to happen.  I had no idea that we would live in seven different communities, both of us graduated from college, have two cats and three dogs, and that I would lose my dad at 32. 

No- there were a lot of things my 21 year old self did not know.  Like how much work it takes to keep communication going in a relationship.  How much you have to give of yourself, or how loud your new husband would SNORE!!  LOL~

But that 21 year old also had no idea of what a wonderful man she had.  She had no idea of the caliber of man she had chosen.  How he would support her and encourage her and make her laugh when things seemed hopeless, and how all these years later- she would still adore him.  She could not have imagined how many times he would pray with and for her, and the little surprises he would shower on her.

I remember one Christmas that Rich sent me on a scavenger hunt and ended with a huge box.  I kept opening and opening as the boxes got smaller and smaller until I opened a key.  The key opened a drawer in our computer cabinet and inside was a ring box with a sapphire ring inside!  I still don't know how he managed to afford it or hide it- but he did. 

I would tell that 21 year old girl that when she would journey through one of the darkest times in her life (her grandma, grandpa and dad would all die in less than 5 months)  that her husband would be right there holding her up, crying with her, and helping her through the mind-numbing pain.  He would also be there for two of the greatest days ever....the day Kendall was born and the day Ian was born.  How he cut each of their umbilical cords and was right there while they were weighed and measured.  How he rejoiced in each child and how he continues to love and guide each of them now. 

I think that in another 23 years what my 67 year old self will say to the 44 year old who is typing this now.  What other sorrows and joys will we have walked through together? 

All I can say  is that 23 years ago my life was joined with another....and I am honored and humbled to have walked this journey with him....

I love you Rich!!