Calvin and I got married seven years ago today. To say that I love this man is to utter the largest understatement the universe has ever known. I love him for his sense of humor and his ideals. I love how he just does what is right because it is right. I love him for his faith, and I love him for his irreverence. I even love him for his temper, and for the things that we disagree about.
I love him, of course, for all the happy, wonderful memories we’ve shared over the past seven years, and the four years before that. The vacations we’ve taken have created a stockpile of cherished memories. The conversations we’ve had have enlightened and entertained me. The experiences we shared raising the kids, and becoming grandparents together, made me grow in ways I never anticipated. The quiet nights at home on the couch watching movies are equally as sustaining as the glittering nights out on the town. The day to day life we lead is my comfort and my joy.
What you might think is strange, though, is that I love him even more for the not-so-wonderful times. The times we’ve fought, the times we’ve struggled to understand one another, and the times we’ve gone to bed with stony silence between us. This past year or so has been a challenge to our relationship. As with all things alive and healthy, our marriage, and we as individuals, has grown and shifted and changed. That growth and change has not always been comfortable – it hasn’t even always been recognized for what it is. What at first we regarded as negative we are now both realizing is just evidence that we are truly dedicated to one another. We’re growing and flexing and adapting, but are still firmly rooted in the foundations we began with. We understand that compromise is not defeat, growth doesn’t mean growing apart, and we can each give of ourselves and to one another without worry that the effort will not be matched.
That, my friends, is a real marriage.
I am incredibly lucky in love, blessed in life, and fortunate beyond all measure to be married to my best friend.
Snerkology 
Congratulations to you both!
😀 Thanks!
Not only is this a beautiful, amazing post, but the posts about your wedding are so beautiful and amazing too! The love in your eyes when you’re saying your vows is inspiring. Thanks for a lift on a Monday!
Oh, and happy anniversary.
I re-read our wedding post, too. I’m glad I wrote it, there were little details I would have forgotten by now.
Thanks!
You both appear to be very licky people…congratulations on this day and to the many, many more to come. I just attended a 50th Anniversary yesterday…whew!
They really are LICKY. But never slobbery. 😉
:: lick ::
Wow. A 50th is a huge accomplishment. And I will leave your spelling error to those who already commented on it… 😀
congrads! :p
Thanks, hon!
I’m not sure if you’re “licky” like MTAE says, but you are lucky!! (I love giving him a hard time on his many typo’s!)
If I’ve learned one thing in almost a decade of marriage it’s that it’s always going to be a challenge and take some effort, but the payoff is more than worth it.
Happy Anniversary!
Licky AND lucky!
Thanks, sweetie!
Happy Anniversary, my friends. I love you both mucho bunches and tons. I know you know that already, but some stuff is worth repeating, right?
We love you back!
What a beautifully written piece. Your warm fuzzy posts have always been my favourites. I hope you had a lovely anniversary.
Aww, I’m glad you like my warm fuzzy posts. I sometimes wonder if I just nauseate people.
We did, thanks!
Not people. Just me. Heehee!! 😉
I never claimed to be best typist…but I do kinda hope you had a “licky” anniversary too. I am also not good at proofreading BEFORE I hit “submit”
Heh. No worries. I got the gist.
A beautiful post – I enjoyed every word! Congrats to both of you.
Thank you so much!
Happy anniversary you kids!
Thanks, my friend!
Wow only seven 🙂
Thanks everyone!
What, does it feel like an ETERNITY? 😀 xoxo
Wow what a cute post. Ain’t love grand! I’ve been with my partner for over 20 years so I know what love is all about!
Congratulations!