Twenty five years ago, today, John and I stood together in the hot sun,vowing to love and cherish each other forever .
We were in our early twenties and very much in love.
I wanted 12 children, but he married me anyway.
He never arrived anywhere on time, but I married him anyway- and yes, he was late to the wedding.
I can say with certainty that we both have learned so much in the last twenty five years. As friends around us have divorced, we have grown closer.
He shakes his head and smiles at my impulsivity.
I roll my eyes and grit my teeth about his patient pace.
We both embrace our imperfections and do not impose the burden of perfection on each other.
And we love each other more now than we thought possible twenty five years ago.
We have weathered our share of storms.
Miscarriages, illnesses, job concerns, etc.
We have reveled in more than our share of joys!
Our five children have been the center of our twenty five years.
They have taught us so much about life and love. They are amazing characters, each and every one. They never miss an oppotunity to challenge our parenting skills and help us learn from the experience. Their individual personalities are a wonder to behold.
We can not imagine our lives without them.
Twenty five years ago, I could not comprehend the depth of the love I could hold for our children. That love still takes my breath away.
So, today, John and I will get up at 5 am, drive four children to swim practice and back, two of them to work and back, walk the dogs, go to work ourselves, tour a private school for the twins, grocery shop, thank the sky for shining sun on us instead of dropping another 13" of rain, finish cleaning the basement from the last 13" of rain that found its way under our BRAND NEW carpeting, fix the cracked minivan windshield, watch the kids' swim meet and finally, take some time to relax together at a well-deserved quiet dinner with just the two of us - reminiscing over the past twenty five and dreaming of what is to come.
Happy Anniversary John! I love you!
