Eighteen short years...

I want to take a break from regular programming (such as Monday Musings) to offer up a tribute to this guy:

This is my home screen on my phone.  It was a moment captured by one of the MYP this summer after supper on the deck.  Today marks eighteen years of being side by side.  I have lived with the Chairman for as long as I did with my parents....

Eighteen years.  It seems like it has been a blink of an eye.  But more so, it feels like a lifetime.  In a good way.  We never fathomed on November 5, 1994 what we would be facing in the future.  We have experienced the richest, saddest, most joyous, and sometimes most challenging moments.  And we did it together.

Marriage isn't a piece of paper.  It isn't a date on the calendar.  It is a living thing.  Yes, it all isn't candles and roses and sweet smelling things.  It is also the crumbs and cat hair of life.  It is realizing that the other person isn't exactly like you.  They don't think exactly the same way.   You have to not only accept differences, but embrace them.

The Chairman has changed me in so many ways.  He's taught me how to be more sensitive.  He's taught me how to reach out to others more.  He softened my rough edges.  And he's challenged my brain to the point of it exploding (that's the problem with marrying a guy that's almost too smart for you).

The longer we have been married, the more apparent how incredibly serious the decision is on choosing a mate.  They influence every fiber of your life.  They are the parent of your children.  They are your source of Spiritual help when you can't do it for yourself.  I was beyond fortunate.  Though I did not know it at the time, I found my soul-mate with His help.

After eighteen years, you learn things that irritate - like wet shower mats from jumping out too soon.  Crumbs in the butter.  Open doors.  Too high of thermostats.  And especially things falling out of the freezer and onto your toe.  But you learn what pleases them and that's really a wonderful aspect of a long commitment.

Would I do it again?  In the flutter of my next heartbeat.  I'm living my life-long dream.  I have a husband that puts his family first.  I have MYP keeping our home lively.  I have a great big sweet dog and a cute kitty.  I have a warm home and extended family and dear friends.  I'm so thankful he chose to join up on the Utah raft trip of 1992.  I'm thankful I passed his rigorous and thorough research phase (if you know the Chairman, you know what I'm talking about).  And I'm thankful we have the future before us.  Because it will be perfect no matter the experiences we have yet to face.  Because the Chairman is by my side.  And I know we will be safe.