Today is the day. Sixteen years ago, we were married. This time all those years ago, I was in our church nursery with my girls finishing up. At only an hour before the service, I was probably putting jewelry on and making sure my toiletry items were packed back up to put in the limo. I remember my dad coming to get me and I remember walking across the breezeway to enter the church. It’s all very clear in my mind. I remember standing on the stage facing you while a song played during the ceremenony. We were surrounded by 350 or so of our closest friends and family 😁….. yet in that moment is was only you and I. 

I had come from a broken home. We took our vows so seriously. We knew getting married young…. that people claimed statistically we wouldn’t make it. We knew that we would. We had talked about it so many times before while we were dating. The D word would not be in our vocabulary. We set rules then… if we have a big fight…. sure it’ll happen…. we can get mad…. we can go into separate rooms….but we never leave. No one ever leaves. That was something that we decided on long before I changed my name. 

We have faced so many struggles with jobs and finances and hard times and family drama. 

We have walked through so many blessings with two children and a home and ministry and love. 

I just wrote in a blog post last night saying that these last few months have been some of the hardest that I have ever faced. The stress and pressure has been unreal. The worry takes my thoughts hostage and steals my peace. 

However, you are my safe place.

I cannot imagine my life without you in it. You drive me absolutely crazy sometimes, but you can speak a peace into my very being that no other human can. 

You know my strengths, weaknesses, faults, and struggles. You love me through them all. 

I’m thankful for this life we share. I’m forever grateful for the memories and experiences that we have been through. I’ve never had to face anything alone. You are with me to celebrate every small, insignificant victory and tackle every problem. TOGETHER. 

Happy 16th Anniversary ❤️