The Party Continues

September 3rd, 2005.  

Six years ago today I put on a white dress, walked down the aisle of a church a grew up in, hugged my dad, and married my best friend.  It was the best decision of my life.  

At the time, I knew exactly what I was doing.  I was 20 years old.  I was ready.  I was marrying the boy I grew up with.  I knew him.  I was marrying the soldier I loved.  Army wife here I come.  I was becoming a wife.  I've got this.  We were becoming one.  Forever.

Looking back, I had no clue.

I was only 20 years old, six years later that seems so young.  I didn't realize how much we would continue to grow, both up and together.  I didn't see the degree that his profession would affect our lives.  I didn't understand how rewarding, frustrating, and fulfilling being a wife would be.  I didn't anticipate that we weren't becoming one, but instead a family.

Six years ago I promised to love and cherish one man for the rest of my life.  I brought him into my family to give love and be loved, and I walked into his family to do the same.

Marriage is so much more than a wedding, a party, a white dress, rings, and vows.  It is more than in-laws,  joint checking (I so win that one though!), and no longer caring about if your pajamas are cute.  I have a lot more figured out now than I did back then, but I have a lot farther to go. 

 

These last 6 years my husband has pushed me to learn more about myself than I ever thought I needed to know.  He has made me into a better person, a better Catholic, a better mother, a better friend, and a better wife.   He knows my strengths and he admires them.  He knows my weaknesses and he improves them.  I truly love him more every day.

 

We are not together today, and really that is okay.  We have only spent two of our six wedding anniversaries together.  At this point it almost odd if we do spend them together.  Today marks more than just surviving another year.  It is so much more.  It is a reminder of why I said "I do", not just simply that I did.

 The day of my wedding my mom gave me a quote.

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, but always with the same person."

Justin, I can truly say I fall in love with you again every day.  In six years we have overcome many struggles.  We have had five address, spent four anniversaries apart, lived in three states, brought two wonderful children into this world, and kept the one promise we made to each other that day.  I cherish each memory and I can only imagine the adventures that await us.  You never said it would be easy, you only said it would be worth it, right?

Happy anniversary bud.  I love you.