From This Day Forward...

I am very happy to share with you that today is my wedding anniversary. My 18th wedding anniversary, to be exact. And it makes me stop and stare in wonder...where did 18 years go?

18 years ago I was 22 years old. When my beloved and I approached the altar in marriage we had been together for three years. Wow, I told him today, I am at the point where we have been together over half my life.When I ask him if it seems like we've been together for 23 years, he rolls his eyes and emphatically nods his head yes. I am sure he means this in a good-natured way.

We did not live together before we were married. We wanted the sacrament of our marriage to be a brand new beginning for us. I had no idea the joys and the sorrows in store for us, I just knew I found someone I loved more than any other and who thought I was the greatest person in the world. 

Over the years there have been highs and lows. We have been blessed with three amazing children and our life together has been one helluva ride. One thing I have learned is no matter what life throws at you, if one can face it with an ability to love and accept we may not always have all the answers, grace will definitely get you through.

So to my husband, I say thank you. Thank you for supporting me, for loving me when it has not always been easy, and for this wonderful life we have built together. You have earned your ticket into Heaven (hey, at least it's never boring!) and I give thanks for the day you chose me to be your wife.  

Grow old along with me...the best is yet to be.