Happy Anniversary PB!
Twenty-two years ago, right now, I was with my friends, getting ready for our big day. I was so worried that something was going to go wrong. Was one of my nails going to break? What if I tripped and fell in front of everyone? Was my makeup going to look funny? What if something happened to ruin the whole day? I mean, this was one of the biggest days of my life! And everyone I knew was going to be there to see… What if I embarrassed myself?
Well, guess what? A lot was about to happen, and I wasn’t going to be able to prevent any of it!
I did break a nail. Yep, my thumbnail broke off sometime early in the day. My makeup didn’t last, like at all! One of my flower girls’ dresses tore just before we had to leave for the ceremony. We didn’t get any photos of us with Sasha. Then, the zipper on my dress came off, and it had to be sewn shut, which caused us to be over an hour late for our wedding supper. Yep, stuff happened.
Looking back now, I realize that none of that mattered—none of it! Because the only thing that was important that day was that you and I were getting married. You and I became our own family that day. You and I were going to share our lives with two beautiful daughters. You and I were going to discover what happiness and love really are!
Were times going to be tough? Yep! Was there going to be drama, like a lot of it? You bet! Were there going to be unnecessary arguments? For sure! Were there going to be days where you probably wondered if it was worth all of the stress? No doubt!
But you stood by me, no matter what was thrown at you. You loved me unconditionally. You loved me, even when I couldn’t love myself. You taught me how real love was supposed to look. But, most importantly, you taught me how to love myself. And for that, I will be forever grateful.
In a million years, I never thought that I could feel for someone how I feel for you. You help me learn and grow every day. I have learned how beautiful the sunrise can be and to take time to watch it. I have learned how to appreciate the rain and thunderstorms. Some of my favourite times have become snuggling and listening to them. I have learned how to enjoy life in general and not wish away my time. I have learned that worrying and stressing about what will happen is not worth it. I have learned how to care for myself and take time for me. I have learned that I can be alone and not scared, and I know now that I don’t need to be with you to protect me, but I want to. You have helped me to become a better version of me.
I can honestly say that the last twenty-two years have not always been the best, but they were better than any before that time because I had you to hold my hand through them. When I didn’t think I’d have the strength to get through a day, you were there to let me know it’d be okay. You’ve held my hand through the darkness and the light. You have seen me at my absolute worst, and you’ve seen me at my absolute best. And to this very day, you don’t hesitate to look me in the eyes and tell me how beautiful I am, how smart I am, and how wonderful I am.
I said it then, and I’ll say it now, we were not getting married because we had a baby, but because we really and truly loved each other and wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.
After twenty-two years of marriage, I want to continue to spend the rest of my days, sharing adventures with you and my nights, in bed next to you. I want to go to bed every night and wake every morning with a kiss from you and only you. Eric, I love you today as much, if not more than I did then. So, here’s to twenty-two years past and many more ahead!
Happy Anniversary PB!
