Happy Anniversary

Two years ago I stood at the altar in front of beloved friends and family I anxiously awaited my bride to be.  I was nervous, nauseas, woozy and, felt like I was going to pass out. I stood there with my heart pounding. And then I saw her. It was as if everything and everyone around had just faded from thought and focus. All I could see was her. And like an ocean wave crashing upon the shore it hit me…peace.  She came walking down the aisle like an angel and clothed in a magnificent white gown she was truly a beautiful sight to behold. The music, the lighting, the way she walked, everything came together like one beautiful harmonious symphony. I remember after the rush of peace and calm I was overcome with joy. This was the moment I made a covenant promise to the woman who I loved above all else. Not an exchange of goods, but an exchange of persons.

I never thought I would find myself married. Not because I wasn’t the “marrying type” but because I never thought I would find someone who would accept me for all my faults and failures. And believe me there are A LOT!  But lo’ and behold God had something in store for me; either that or he just got tired of my incessant whining. However, what I had asked for, and what I received are two very different things.  God gave me so much more than I could ever envision in my wife. He gave me a way to attain heaven and someone to attain heaven with. Stephanie challenges me in so many different ways, to not only be a better man but a holier man. Without her I honestly don’t know into what disgusting pit I might have fallen into.  Never, have I met a woman with more saintly qualities. She is patient with me; she takes time to listen to me even if it means that she may not get to be listened to. And she has sacrificed so much for the sake of our little family. It is in her shining example of faith and love that challenges me to move outside of myself and to strive to be the man she needs me to be, the man my children need me to be and most importantly the man God intended me to be. I know this road hasn’t been easy and I know we have plenty of challenges ahead. But with you by my side Stephanie Marie we can weather any storm. Happy Anniversary my love, here is to the past two years and however many more we may have, until death do us ‘part.