I do

I do. Simple words, true, but do those who utter those words to their mate, truly understand what they are saying. For some doe eyed couples hear fragments of the vows …for better, for richer, in health, for as long as it is convenient. Twenty five years and going strong and the love we share is unwavering for we have teetered on both sides of the vows knowing that life isn’t roses and rainbows all the time, but how nice it is to weather the storm and know that, “the greatest thing of all is love.”

We have reveled in the richness of the moment, as we cuddle the world melts away and have expressed ourselves with the same passion in heated arguments fueled by PTSD and fear of abandonment that would destroy most. We have climbed out of deep depressions and have laughed till our sides hurt and learned to slow down to enjoy the sunset. When we were first married I delighted in saving money, because we didn’t have any to spare. I would do the ironing to save the dollar from sending them to the laundry, made gifts rather than buy them, take the kids to the library to check out videos rather than renting and swear off any prepared foods because they cost more- homemade food all the time- cant argue with that. He has worked 60 hour weeks even though on salary, because it was what was needed to care for his patients- family time for a while was created by stopping by the office with the kids when they were little. We have enjoyed travel to far away places, expensive toys, donating to church and civic organizations, investments soaring and plummeting overnight, lean times including coupons, bill juggling, creative cooking with what is left in the freezer, and steak dinners all the while knowing the temporary nature of the moment, and it matters little. There were times when hiking, gardening, basketball, water skiing and 50 mile bicycle rides were the norm rather than the exception. All I know is I wouldn’t have it any other way than to truly live without loosing faith or each other in the journey.
Now all this is rather glossed over and easy to digest but to truly understand one must know the origin of all that makes it truly the love story of a life time. My husband and I were not the typical couple he being 18 years my senior, everyone said it wouldn’t last, well it has! And its not like its some great accomplishment, it is just – well for lack of better words- wonderful! How nice it is to wake up in the morning and share my quirky nature and laughs fill the room rather than sideways glances from someone who just thinks – “she’s weird.” Sometimes with a smile creeping up in the corners of his mouth he sometimes says this, but accepted as a compliment- I delight in being weird. We have shared so much of our wounded souls with each other and never once said – well, my problems are more real than yours but comforted one another with all the love in the world. We have found the true healing nature of compassion as we are blessed by giving what is needed by the other.