Thirteen years ago today I married my best friend - and boy what a ride it's been! We married in my grandparent's backyard, the same place my parents married, amongst family and friends on a beautiful Seattle summer day (the only nice weekend day that month, remember?).
I should have known when those devil horns came out that I was in for a crazy, wild ride. We've had our share of ups and downs but we've gotten closer because of them. There has been so much that could have torn us apart but I think it's only made our love and commitment to each other stronger.
We moved across the country to a place where we knew no one and had no family. And while I was scared and sad to leave, it was the best thing for us and I haven't looked back once! We made our own family and filled it with friends that have become more like family than some of our actual family.
We've lived in three houses but have owned several more. We've had three beautiful little boys that continue to keep us on our toes!
One that is a good mix of us both...
One that is more like me...
And one that looks just like Jack but is a mini-you!
We've had many separations due to the military and all your Army training and we've dealt with many injuries from it all.
Some have been life-threatening (the heat stroke that by the grace of God you survived when no one thought you would) and some have been life altering (injuries that have affected every part of your body and keep you from fulfilling your life-long military dreams and the basic ability to play with your kids the way you want).
They put a tough strain on our relationship at times but we were able to work through it and fight for what is important - us, our kids and our life together.
We dealt with a diagnosis of our second child that was so difficult at first but now seems like nothing. It will always be an extra fight for Ethan and what he needs/deserves but we both have it in us. And there is no one more worth it.
The love of brothers that are either best friends or bitter enemy's challenge us not to yell and argue so much.
I love seeing the father you are with our boys, and how much they love you back.
Can you believe how much alike they are?
Three little peas in a pod...
That all want to grow up and be just like you. And that couldn't make me happier!
Like I said, it's been a wild ride but what good are the ups without the downs? You have made my heart skip a beat from the moment I met you and I look forward to a lifetime of more.
Thirteen is said to be an unlucky number but after all that we've been through there is nothing than can tear us apart. I love you for you, for who you are and for the love you have for me and the boys. You are my heart and you always will be.
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