18 YEARS

When I was at the lake the other day, I saw a lovely young couple there. They were about 18 or 19 years old, and completely in love. With them, they had their little 6 month old baby boy. He was sitting in the stroller, wide eyed, watching us, kicking his chubby legs and smiling. I observed the couple as they took care of their little one, and took turns swimming and having fun. So young. So much responsibility. I looked at my husband and he looked at me, and we smiled. We were that couple almost 21 years ago. Young, hopelessly in love, and in way over our heads with responsibility. The thing is, everything turned out ok for us. We worked hard at life, and we worked hard at our relationship. Parenting isn't easy, no matter how old you are, but the rewards are bountiful.

When I look back to those years of being a young family, I realize how much we struggled to make it. Some people treated our situation like it was a "mistake." Something that had to be dealt with. When I watched the young couple at the lake I realized how far from the truth that attitude was. My little one was never a "mistake." Surprise? Yes. A big one. But looking back now at our happy family of 5, I know that every sacrifice and every hardship was worth it.

Yesterday was our 18th wedding anniversary, and we have been together almost 24 years in total. Amazing. I love him now more than I ever did. And that's not to say there were never bumps in the road, and that our lives were perfect. There have been times when I feel like jumping in my car and driving away. Didn't matter where, just away. But that's normal, and you work through those times. I am very lucky to be married to my guy. He is faithful and loving and a great father. Is he perfect? No. Am I perfect? Well yes! Just kidding.....far from it. But knowing our shortcomings is important in making a relationship work. Being able to say sorry, and know when you're wrong is essential to a long lasting marriage.

People have often asked me that if I could go back and change anything, would I? Well, no. If I changed one thing about my life, I wouldn't be where I am today. And I'm pretty happy with who I am, where I am, and who I am with. And for me there isn't anywhere else in the world I would rather be than with my husband and kids. They are my everything.

Happy Anniversary to the man of my dreams. I love you.



Our anniversary supper