Today Handsome and I celebrate thirteen years of marriage.
Thirteen sets of holidays, hundreds of church services, so many birthday parties, vacations, job changes, celebrations, animal adoptions and losses, fun bonfires, one scary house fire… And too many hospital stays and funerals.
In years past we have celebrated with trips, fancy dinners, and several days away from home. Away from it all, as they say. We’ve had hard times before, but mid-July was always a bright spot for us, a milestone and a reason to celebrate. We’ve been very blessed overall, despite some life challenges most couples face.
This year, life is challenging more than ever. Our foundations are strong but rumbling, and the parts of our heart that we thought might have healed by now certainly have not. Getting away from it all is not possible because location cannot erase some pains. And so home is exactly where we need to be. We’ve carved out a pretty good oasis here at the farm, and retreating behind the locked gate is sometimes the best idea.
We still have so many reasons to celebrate life, though, especially in our marriage. We have weathered storm after storm, growing stronger as individuals and as a couple month after month. What a gift to discover that you love and admire your spouse more deeply the more you see him navigate life. I know that not everyone experiences this, and I am so grateful.
So here’s wishing my Handsome guy the happiest possible thirteenth anniversary. Thank you for your unending love, patience, and protection. Thank you for infusing my days with romance and for encouraging me to pursue my dreams. Thank you for never giving up, for helping me keep that quiet, private flame of hope alive and safe, for facing the world with me one curveball after another. Thank you for being a man who makes me proud in every possible way.
I love you always, now, & forever.
XOXOXO
Well happy anniversary and congrats!!
God is so good 🙂
ANF
I’m so happy for both of you – but I’m saddened to think that your struggles are still there. It’s easy to say that time heals all wounds, but it’s hard to live through it.
Stay strong, my friend. You are lucky to have the nurturing relationship that you do, it will help you and guide you throughout any storm.
Love to you both
XX
Happy Anniversary Branarie! You are two of our favorite people! We love you guys and hope you have a wonderful week! Hugs!
Happy Anniversary to a very special couple. You inspire me and I hope we all grow old and wrinkly sitting by the bonfire together. 🙂
Congrats on a wonderful 13 years! I love that you have celebrated so much…and choose to use the word celebrate! We have so much to celebrate in this life and I do not want to waste my days not celebrating! xo
Baby, I dont know what words can fully express what you mean to me. I do love you Always, Now, and Forever. I cannot imagine getting through the struggles in life without you. You are my rock and my strength. I am so thankful that I have been given a wife that is also my best friend in the world. You make it difficult for others to measure up.
We made it through another year, wrought with loss and pain, but filled with wonderful memories too. These pains are unimaginable and I wont pretend to say everything will be as it was, but I will say we will find happiness anyhow. I dont regret one day with you and I look forward to an eternity’s worth to come.
Come what may, you are my angel.
Love ANF.
Happy Anniversary! I think I know a bit of what you mean. Married life is always in cycle. There are hard times, but they pass.