Yes, today I am particularly thankful for my husband. Today is our thirty-second wedding anniversary. I could only imagine what our lives would look like at this moment, as I spoke those all important vows that evening. Let me just say, even though our lives look nothing like I had anticipated back then.
Today, in particular, I remember us as truly young, with our 'future before us'--as so many of our wedding greetings indicated. We had a great support system way back then. Both our parents loved us, and our siblings--we had an amazing 'home church'--and shortly after the wedding, we found at church that would become 'ours' for the next twenty years.
We have traveled many miles, by car, plane, bus and the occasional subway. We have visited many places--interesting, beautiful and relaxing--depending on the place. Randy truly loves to 'go'...sometimes it doesn't eve matter 'where'--just away from here!
We have attended weddings of family and friends. Family reunions, while not consistently held, if there has been one planned we would usually show up. We have enjoyed deep and satisfying friendships with amazing people. Sometimes even traveling with other families to fun destinations--Colorado to ski, or 6 Flags over Mid-America--for example. And, while we love people--all kinds of people--many times we are satisfied just to be together--learning and exploring the world around us.
Our marriage would not be what it is today if we had not had children. Five daughters--WOW--it takes a special man, with nerves of steel, to live with that much estrogen...the first clue was when I woke up from a little nap, just after our first baby was born, and he was rocking this precious baby girl, our Alayna, and singing in her ear, "Every good and perfect gift, comes down from above!" He is such a good dad.
He would help on Sunday mornings with getting the girls ready--when there were only Alayna & Holly--except for hair bows & braids. When the twins joined our family, we would get together for 2am feedings--he would go downstairs to warm two bottles, I would change two diapers, and then we would both rock and feed a baby...precious memories. And, then there were five. Some of the sweetest memories of him caring for me in 'sickness' was during my recovery just after Macy was born. I was almost forty when we got to have her--I didn't 'bounce back' as quickly--he helped so much to keep everything going in the house....and worked more than 'full time' at his job.
And, then the darkest days happened....those, of course, were caused in the void in our home that losing little Macy brought. But, we faced it together, tears in our eyes, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder...and we recognized it for what it was: an attack from our enemy to try to destroy us. We came through it, closer than ever--but it aged us a lot. And, for that I can be thankful, I think.
And then after a time, our mourning was truly turned to joy, as our family grew some more. We are so thankful for our son-in-law...the understanding and humor that he brings to our family, as the love of Alayna's life, mean that we are blessed beyond measure. And, while their marriage is a gift to our family at large...it is their family as a whole, including their three precious children that complete the gift that they are to us. While Will, Ally and Anna do not 'replace' Macy--they certainly fill the void! And, it is amazing to have their artwork to enjoy! And watch as they grow and learn.
And so, while each day of the past thirty two years has not been complete bliss...I would be correct in saying that each day over the past thirty two years has had some source of laughter in it...and lots of "I love you"'s in it...and that helps make this life worth living. Even through hard moments, we have tried to cheer each other up, and remind each other that we do, truly, love each other!
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