A decade of true love

Ten years ago today, I was preparing to walk down the aisle as a teenage bride.

I am sure that many people thought we were crazy to get married at such young ages (to my parent's credit: they didn't say a negative word about it!)...but from day one we knew we were in it for the long haul and had to make it work.

A decade later I can honestly say that I have

no regrets whatsoever and if given the chance to go back in time,

I would do the same thing all over again!

Who cares that I cringe looking back over our wedding photos at the "princess ball gown" style dress that overwhelmed my 5'3 frame and made me look like a big,white, lacy cupcake! Who cares that we couldn't afford fresh, exotic flowers or a fancy reception after the ceremony! All those things don't matter in the end. That is not what a wedding is really about anyway. :) What truly matters is the committment we made to each other on that day.
(We didn't let the predicted snow storm dampen our joy, either!)

Our relationship has grown and strengthened through the ups and downs of life. Unemployment and other job issues, buying our first real house, three children, the loss of a baby, my Dad passing away last year after a battle with cancer, various family dramas...the years have not been dull, that's for sure! The tough times have brought us even closer together, the great times have been that much sweeter.

In some ways it does not seem possible that my husband and I have now been married an entire decade! But it also is hard to remember life without him.

So on this day I thank Christ for bringing us together "way back when" and blessing us with a wonderful life. I look to the future with hope that we have many, many more years together here on earth. 

I'm excited to see the next chapters of our marriage unfold. 

Happy anniversary to my forever husband--and best friend!