Friday, August 22, 2008

10 Years


Wow.

I really do have a hard time believing that Jeramy and I have been married for ten years. But then again, I hardly remember what life was like before we got together. We have been a couple nearly half our lives, and in essence we have grown up together. We have experienced nearly all of our “firsts” both good and bad together. Not being with him would be like functioning without my right arm…or leg…or maybe both. I hear all the time how people split up because they have grown apart or become different people. That concept seems so foreign to me. We are definitely different people than we were when we started dating; it would be impossible to go from sixteen to thirty without changing. Isn’t that why people always warn against marrying so young? But somehow, we have managed to embrace change together and become a stronger couple because of that.

If anything, I am happier now in marriage than I even pictured us being ten years ago. We are certainly a better couple now than we were then: better at letting the small things go, better at keeping a sense of humor, better at communicating, and even better at arguing (not that we argue more but I think our disagreements are more productive). That’s not to say we’re perfect. I could be a better listener. Jeramy could learn to pick up after himself. I could reign in my tendency to beat issues to death. Jeramy could realize that my mind reading abilities are lacking. I could be a little bit less lazy. Jeramy could spend less money. We could be more civil to each other while on the boat. There is just something about that confined space that gets us going every time!

I never thought we would wait quite so long to start a family, but I’m glad that we did. We had so much time to simply enjoy each other that I believe we have a stronger foundation as a couple that will help us through this transition. I can easily say that my pregnancy has been among the happiest times of my life, and I feel closer to him than ever. Admittedly it is intimidating at the same time. As Jeramy told me, we are awfully good as a pair…will we be able to sustain that with the addition of a third human being? I am sure it will not be easy. Hell, I found adopting Cujo so taxing that I nearly had a nervous breakdown from housebreaking alone. So yeah, I know this will be hard, and there are challenges to come that we cannot begin to anticipate. But I am also sure it will be the most rewarding of any experience we could have together.

In re-reading the above hours later, I find it interesting that nowhere have I mentioned the word love. We tell each other “I love you” or some variation every day, but I rarely go shouting it from the roof tops. I don’t really feel like I need too. I have never doubted Jeramy’s love for me. It is deep, steady and never wavering. I take it for granted constantly when I shouldn’t. And I count myself so lucky that I am even more in love with my husband today than I was when I said I do ten years ago.

13 comments:

Prairie Girl said...

Happy Anniversary!

I love the pics! You truly look made for each other!!

Congratulations on ten years!!

s.e. said...

Tears. This post made me reflect on my very similiar marriage. It allowed me to step back and reflect on how we also have grown together. Next year I will be with my husband longer than I've been without him. It sounds like you are in the same boat. I need to be more grateful. Be more like you. Thanks for sharing your sweet love story.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post! Congratulations on such a wonderfully happy marriage!

You two looked like kids when you got married...wow!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Nicky said...

It's so wonderful that you guys keep growing closer! My husband and I have known each other since college, not high school (been friends for 13 years, been a couple for 11 of them) and it constantly amazes me how we've grown and changed and continued to complement each other.

You guys look so amazingly young in those photos....

Jamie said...

Congratulations!! I love the slideshow - it is so amazing that you have been fortunant enough to 'grow up' together. It will be a wonderful story to tell your children!

You should really be proud of your marriage. Marriage can be so hard - I am glad you found the person that is your perfect half to share it with!

Kelly said...

Happy Anniversary!!!
I love all the pics:)
You guys should be very proud of yourselves!! What a great life you are bringing Miss Jillian into!

Barb said...

I identify with just about everything you said in my relationship. :) I'm glad we both have good ones. I love the motorcycle photos. :)

nancy said...

Happy Anniversary!!! You two look like you were meant for one another. Being so young and making it? That doesn't happen too often. Congrats!!!

Mazzy said...

Congratulations! What a milestone in this world.
I tell people all the time that while love is great, marriage really isn't about love. It's about commitment and you guys certainly have it.
And soon.... a whole family to boot. ;)
*hugs*

George said...

HAPPY ANNIVERARY - you have a great story! May you continue to grow together and love one another for a lifetime!!!

Sunny said...

Happy 10 years! What a nice tribute to your marriage. Jillian is a lucky little girl to have parents who love each other so much.

K @ ourboxofrain said...

Happy (belated) anniversary!! I hope the next ten are as happy as the first ten, and all the more so as a family.

jenn said...

congratulations! There is somehing to be said about growing up with your love... :o)