My happiness and contentedness has been at an all-time high over the past year. I've thought long and hard on why that is. Not because I'm surprised by it, but because I want to harness it and keep it so, as long as possible. I have realized those feelings come from the strength our marriage has derived. Most importantly, I have realized our marriage is thriving because we refuse to treat one another as an after thought. When life gets the better of us, we sometimes see that we are neglecting each other and our marriage. When that happens, Mike and I stop, redirect and remind each other of our love. We remind each other that we need more patience. And mostly, we remind each other that we both choose "together" each and every day.
To my Mike, on our anniversaries,
You are so much more than just a husband to me. You have always had a natural ability to distract me from anything else in the world. Your words can calm my nerves. Your smile can cut through my anger. Your touch makes me feel safe. Your love makes me feel whole. You are my life's greatest distraction.
When my anxiety steals my breath, you hold me until I feel safe enough to catch it. When I am frustrated and overwhelmed, you allow me to vent it without judgement. When I'm feeling ridiculous and act like a dork, you laugh right along with me. When I birthed our children, you laid your hands upon my back ever so gently and whispered your love and encouragement so only I could hear. You gave me strength and courage when I wasn't sure it was possible. When I worry too much about our future, you bring me back to our present. When I dream wondrous (and unattainable) dreams, you hop right into the fantasy with me. When I sit on our bed and sob that I can't be a mom and do well enough in school, you are the voice reminding me that I can. For better or worse, you exist in every corner of my existence. I could never be all of me without you.
Today, after 14 years together, and 8 years married, I still do.
