Today my hubby and I celebrate eleven years of marriage and, as of this summer, we've officially known each other half our lives. We met when we were sixteen, before driver's licenses, wisdom teeth and graduation. When we still had a curfew, when our mothers would warn: "It's time to get off the phone now" and when we had to ask permission to go on a date. I often marvel that at the age of sixteen I was able to see in him the man he would become and to recognize that he was the one I wanted to weave my life with. Even though we didn't know it then, each of us has been exactly who the other has needed. I'm so in awe of God for giving us that gift - because He knew.
Dave's uncle once asked me why I thought our marriage would last. I didn't even hesitate. I told him it would last because we'll be having a conversation for the rest of our lives. Whether it's good or bad, whether it's interesting or dull, we'll keep talking with each other until one of us is called home to Heaven. I want to know all I can about him - he fascinates me, challenges me, defends me, loves me, cares for me, cherishes me and holds me accountable. Who wouldn't want to spend the rest of their life getting to know a man like that? He has so much wisdom and I esteem him higher than any other person I know. He's always the first person I want to talk to and the one who I can be completely real with - and the crazy man loves me anyway!
We have both grown in countless ways – but we continue to grow together. Our faith and relationship with Christ comes first and it's the foundation our marriage is built upon, without it we would be a weak structure, crumbling under the weight of life's storms.
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| Our most recent picture - taken two weeks ago at a Twins game. |
Our children are a wonderful extension of our love for one another and they complete us in a way that nothing else ever could. I've told them that I searched the whole world to find the perfect man to be their daddy and I know I am blessed beyond reason, because I found him and married him.
What about you? Are you married? What anniversary will you be celebrating this year? If you're not married, what other celebrations do you have marked on your calendar?
Beautiful love story, Gabrielle. May it go on forever may you celebrate many more anniversaries.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I searched the world over for the perfect husband and 30 married years later I'm even more convinced I found him. I was doubly blessed to find that the man was born to be a fantastic father. I totally relate to the part about "he cherishes me and holds me accountable." I'm grateful that my husband sweetly voices his love in adoring words and whispers, but doesn't hesitate to let me know when I've gone a bit overboard. He is my real storybook hero come to life.
I love it, Ava! Thiry years of marriage is an amazing accomplishment - congrats!
DeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your man. 13 this year. It always cracks me up to look at pictures of us from so many years ago.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
I know, Wendy! I look back at our pictures and I think "we looked like babies!" but at the time I felt like we were so grown up. Congrats on 13 years!
DeleteAhh, congratulations! Fun!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not married (yet), but I have awesome parents and grandparents who model for me what a good marriage looks like. So when it happens someday, it's so good to know there's a wonderful legacy that has paved the way...
Thanks, Melissa. I'm still holding out hope that Tim Tebow and you cross paths one day - you'd be perfect for each other! :)
DeleteMelissa,
DeleteWould your parents by any chance be Kenny and Sherrie from Iowa? We knew them many years ago...
Happy anniversary!! You were such a gorgeous bride! I love what you said about having conversation. We're like that too. We'll be celebrating 6 years in November.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 6 years, Lindsay! Conversation and communication are key ingredients in a successful marriage. I always say that even if we're fighting, we're still talking. :)
DeleteJohn's parents celebrate 65 years this June. SIXTY FIVE years!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe'll celebrate 23 years on June 17th. Feel free to send gift cards or cash. I'm not picky...oops...*we're* not picky.
;)
Congratulations on 23 years, Jennifer! You must have been a child bride. :) Ha! What is the gift for 23 years - silver?? :)
DeleteOhYes, I was a child bride ...of 26. I do believe the gift for 23 years is power tools. That's what I want anyway. :)
DeletePS-you look gorgeous!! Your hair is so curly.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
Thanks - my hair is naturally curly and the stylist just touched up the curls and pinned them in place. I also have very thick hair and I remember one of the guests, who I had not met before that day, asked me if I had extensions in! Nope - it's all mine.
DeleteYou both look so happy and in love:) Beautiful pics!! The heart of a good relationship is friendship which you seem to have in spades. I'm blessed that way, too. We're about to celebrate our 18th anniversary and can honestly say it gets sweeter over time. Randy's parents just celebrated their 50th and the week before that we attended a 65th anniversary! JOY! God bless you and your Dave. Truly a match made in heaven.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laura! I love the gift of marriage - it's one of God's greatest creations. Happy 18th anniversary! I remember seeing a picture of you on your wedding day somewhere - you were a beautiful bride. :)
DeleteBeautiful! Happy Anniversary! So happy for you. We will be celebrating ten years this August. I've been truly blessed with an awesome husband. I will have to think of how to put it all into words :)
ReplyDeleteMy challenge was keeping it under 400 words! Congrats on 10 years, Jennette - that is a milestone to celebrate. :)
DeleteAww...how sweet! Happy anniversary!!
ReplyDeleteMe and y hubby will be celebrating 17 years together in...3 days. LOL
Thanks and congrats on 17 years! June is a great month to get married. :)
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