20 years

Twenty years of marriage.  

You didn't know what you were doing when you're first words to me were, " Sarah, you wanna be my partner?"

 

I remember all of it. Spaghetti at the truck stop after the symphony.  Talking in the library instead of working.  A kiss in the parking lot. My first trip to Parkersburg, first Sunday dinner to meet the family, first holidays,  first trip to DC.  I remember watching TV with you and Nikki - but can't remember which sitcom - Friends or Golden girls? I remember late night phone calls and AIM messenger (so long ago).

I remember our wedding,  and the first bath you ran me with all those rose petals in it.  The hotel we lived,  our first apartment with roommate, our move to the first house. 

I remember taking the first pregnancy test in the little bathroom at Vienna, telling the family with papers in the menus. the first ultra sound on April fool's day.   I remember the night before we met the twins,  and the early morning trip to the hospital. And their first little stereo cries.   Then I remember my shock when I got to be the first to hold them, and that first day when I was left home alone with them!   I remember the late night feeds - each of us in charge of a baby. Fast forward to them creaking up the steps by themselves and the two of them in the chair with their sippy cups.   Rice tables,  two high chairs,  little feet pattering across the floor, smiles,  giggles,  hugs.  Reading books,  repeating songs on the cd player,  trips to Cosi, Pennsylvania, Put In Bay. 

I remember meeting a little baby with orange hair,  late night rocking,  and late night tv binges because he was up.  And the nails you let me take. 

I remember holidays, first days of school,  breakfasts every day,  kisses at the end of each day.  The birthday parties,  the classrooms, and even more recently the graduation festivities.   I don't remember any part of it that wasn't ok.   There were challenges, tears and losses- and we together.  We grew,  we adapted,  and we were together.   

And now - new chapters all around.   In three months,  we've graduated two of them,  moved, shifted so many roles,  and launched them all into new things.  Driving,  college,  new schools,  new work, new life with grandparents. 

And through it all - YOU.  By my side.  Hand in mine.   Loving me. Loving them.   Loving us.  

This is us.  

This is what I dreamed of. Prayed for.  And have been gifted. 

How did I get so lucky? 

You amaze me. 

I am and always have been so proud of who you are, not just to us,  but to everyone.   You put others first in ways I have to continue to learn.   It's not as natural for me as you make it seem.   You definitely love like Christ did - sacrificially and with a servant's heart. 

I love you. 

Let's do at least 20 more.... but 50 is a better number to achieve.   Let's try to hit at least 50 before you "die young," - and I'm willing to aim for 65.