Thursday, April 19, 2012

our first 15 years

Come, let's be a comfortable couple. . . .And if we should get deaf, or lame, or blind, or bed-ridden, how glad we shall be, that we have somebody we are fond of, always to talk to and sit with! 

~Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby

 

Us then:

1997 0419 Wedding day photo, high resolution - edit for blog

 

Us now:

296 edit

 

This feels like quite a milestone to me. I am surprised by how clearly I remember the Me that decided to marry him, and how well I remember the excitement and also the trepidation about what it would all be like—the childbearing, getting through school, would he ever be able to get a job as a musician, etc. It took a lot of faith to decide to marry at age 19, especially with the ambition that I had as a musician myself; and it took even more faith to be willing to start our family, but it didn’t take any faith at all to choose Chris for my husband.

Even with my youth and naivete, I could easily see that he was worth a commitment for eternity. I had never met anyone before with such talent combined with such real humility. He is not only brilliant, he is funny, and he has no ego. He would do anything to help anyone – he loves literally every person he meets. When I became the blessed recipient of the focus of his love, I couldn’t believe my good luck. I remember telling my roommate: “I just can’t believe no one’s snapped him up before this!”

Our life together these first 15 years has been such an incredible time. Lots of ups (five children, a salaried job for a musician, a first house), some major downs (depression, stillbirth, financial woes) but through all of it he has been so constant. I haven’t always been the easiest to be around, and there are so many stresses in this crazy world. Always the adversary is doing his best to make mountains out of molehills in a relationship, but DC has been unfailingly loving and kind to me. I can’t believe how blessed I am.

I wish I could tell that Me of 15 years ago, “Yes, there will be hard things. But truly you have no idea of the depth of the love you will feel or the incredible joys you will experience.” And actually, Someone did tell me that. But now I can see for myself that it was true.

 

 

P.S. To celebrate we went on a short cruise to Mexico a few weeks ago. I hope to post pictures and non-gloating details soon. :) Also tonight we will have a German feast!

9 comments:

Becky Rose said...[Reply to comment]

how wonderful to be able to say all of that. What A blessing. Happy Anniversary. Many more to come!

Cindy said...[Reply to comment]

How Fun! I'm so glad you got to celebrate! Congratulations :-)

Montserrat said...[Reply to comment]

Happy Anniversary! What a wonderful milestone to reach.

heroineworshipper said...[Reply to comment]

It might even be what god wanted. Don't worry about the musician jobs. These days, nothing is guaranteed to get a job.

Karrot Soup said...[Reply to comment]

Wonderful words. Love to see the joy in you both!

Annalisa said...[Reply to comment]

Happy Anniversary! How fun to go on a cruise. Smiles!!

Andrea said...[Reply to comment]

Great Post and reminder of how important marriage is and the hardwork of it all. I can't wait to see your cruise pictures.

Vauna said...[Reply to comment]

Thank you for yet another beautiful and touching post. Has it really been 15 years! My how the time flies!
I remember when I met first met you. Two things went through my mind. How lucky you were to be the recipient of my brother's affection, because a man like him is so rare. And how lucky he was to have met such a special young woman. But I know luck had nothing to do with it, God knew you were perfect for eachother and that you were both the highest caliber of character.
Love you both!

Amy said...[Reply to comment]

Yeah, nobody loves a fun-gloater. ;)
Loved these last two posts!!!