Eleven years ago today I married my best friend.
I didn’t realize then what exactly I was doing.
What a good choice I made.
What an incredible husband he would actually become.
I always knew he was special. There was something different about him.
He was built like a brick shithouse, but as gentle as a teddy bear.
He was persistent in getting my number and made a bad bet with me, which won him our first date.
I’m pretty sure that I was drunk the first month or so that I knew him (ahhhh…early 20’s – you were good to me!) I blame him though. He worked at the bar that my besties and I frequented. And whenever I ran out of cash, he kept my glass filled. See? Special.
Seriously though. I read a quote last year that made me think of our marriage:
“More marriages might survive if the partners realized sometimes the better comes after the worse”
I knew he’d be a good dad when he invited our friends to come visit in the hospital after Cam was born. He took Cam into the lounge so they could all see him and pass him around while I stayed in my room and slept. Besides, nobody wanted to see the whale that I had become me. He figured that way we’d wouldn’t have to feel obligated to have people over to see the baby when we got home. Pretty considerate, huh?
I often feel like our marriage was tested early on with my my post partum depression after Cuyler was born. Man – what a trooper Sean was. Didn’t bat an eyelash and only wanted me to get better. Was super supportive and I never once felt judged by him – even though I was batshit crazy for a few months.
Then it was Cuyler’s delays and eventual diagnosis. We held each other up when we very easily could have brought each other down.
Then we worked together to overcome the shock of an unexpected pregnancy.
And then we really fused as partners when Eva became sick. We had several moments of shock and trauma with her. Watching my husband care for our sick baby changed how I saw him.
I’m so incredibly grateful that I chose him to take this journey with.
In spite of all the challenges we never forget to laugh. I think it’s because we started out laughing. To this day, we both agree that the best wedding we’ve ever been to was our own.
*a spider fell into my dress from the willow tree as our photog was setting up his tripod. Sean, on instinct, dove right in. The photog snapped this candid. We used it in our 12×12 formal album.
I can’t believe it’s been 11 years.
Seems like no time has passed. But when I think about all we have been through with our kids – it’s been quite a wild ride.
And while I don’t want to label these past 11 years as “the worse” (because there has definitely been some “wonderful”) am looking forward to more of the “better” with this amazing guy that I said yes to.
You make it all sound so easy – even though I know it’s not, (and you’ve posted as much about that too!)
Fabulous photo indeed! (I think if a spider dropped down my dress, I would have fainted!) …!
Cue the happy tears! I love this post. When I hear about relationships like yours – I know somethings are worth waiting for…so I’m glad I am.
Cue the happy tears. Love this post. I’m waiting for this – it’s relationships like yours that make me realize some things are worth waiting for!
Thanks so much guys!
I’m a lucky gal.
Jen – I imagine that you had to lean on your hubby more than ever last year.
I haven’t posted about it yet, but I lost by best friend last July and Sean was my rock (and continues to be as it still brings me to my knees some days).
Congratulations, Christine. My hubby and I are 14 years this year, together for 18. Amazing. Going through the last year with my mom’s illness and eventual death has taught us so much about each other and also taught us to appreciate every moment together. Great post.
Love your post! It’s so true, as we go through the ups and downs in our lives we get to see our partner change and evolve; often becoming a stronger most supportive spouse.
Happy anniversary!
It was our 11th this past Wednesday. 🙂 The last week in May in ’99 was a good week to get married.
Awww. I feel like going and hugging my husband right now. How sweet.