One year ago, I posted this on Facebook for our twentieth wedding anniversary. And I kind of like it, so I'm reposting it on my blog today in honor of our 21st anniversary.
Twenty years ago today, we were married at St. Casimir Church. It was a fairly simple wedding. With a dress that I dreamed up and had a seamstress make for me. With zinnias & daylilies from my sister’s backyard garden. With photographs taken by two of my cousins. We couldn’t stop smiling, we were so happy! And we still are.
Like most couples, we’ve had our ups and downs, our joys and trials.... Who knows what’s in store for us in the next 10, 20 or 30 years? Maybe we’ll reach our 50th wedding anniversary, as our parents did.
I’m not one for hyperbolic statements or superlatives that imply comparisons or unrealistic expectations. I understand why people use these as shorthand to convey their joy or pride. As a writer, I’m a tiny bit picky about word choice though. I won’t say we’re the “best” or “happiest” or that “we love each other more and more each day.” Because some days we do think the best of each other, but other days not so much. Some days we love each other more, but other days we love each other less or perhaps not enough. That’s reality, and it’s our commitment to work through the days that aren’t the best that make a marriage (or any relationship) last.
To my husband - I love you and, to quote the words of a 70s pop song (thanks, Orleans): “You're still the one / That makes me strong / Still the one / I want to take along / We're still having fun / And you're still the one” <3
*****
Added today... I turned eight years old in 1976, the year that Orleans' "Still The One" was released and became a Billboard hit. Here's the song with lyrics for your listening pleasure:
