15 years together

Thursday, September 24th, was our 15th wedding anniversary. My parents came and stayed overnight with the kids and we escaped. We didn't go anywhere fancy or do anything extraordinary...we just got away from "normal" and enjoyed "us". It was relaxing and nice.

Reflecting back over the years, it's been a journey...a journey from childhood into adulthood.

We were so young and inexperienced, yet we had so much faith in our future together.

I hope I am a little smarter now. I feel a lot more humble then I once was.

Looking at today, I know I have been very blessed. I have a good life, beautiful children, and have created it all with the most perfect man for me.

Wondering and dreaming on tomorrow, I find myself somewhat hesitant....am I still strong enough to face the challenges that I know will surely come?

Yes, I know I am.

The next 15 years will bring much different change than the last 15 have. I will have a house full of teenagers, my children will drive, date, and go to college. I will send sons on missions, my children will marry, and grandchildren will come. I will continue to grow and mature and hopefully become better, more obedient to God's will, as I honestly strive to live my life the best that I can. And I look forward to all of these experiences, hand in hand with Ken.

A female we came into contact with on our anniversary asked us what we were celebrating. Ken told her "15 years of marriage" to which she gasped. Ken asked her if she was married. She replied, "Yes, two weeks now, but you have given me hope." Ken chuckled, "that bad huh" and she nodded. As we walked away from her, we couldn't help but pity her. At two weeks of marriage, we were still feeling really optimistic :)

So why us and not her?

At my bridal shower, a small notebook was passed around and everyone wrote down marriage advise. One was "never let your pillow see a tear." Another was "always greet him with a kiss and a smile." But my personal favorite was, "I'm only 10. I have no advise. I'm going to watch you. Good luck! :)"

One example I have looked to my entire life is that of my mother's parents. My grandparents will celebrate 66 years of marriage this December. They have lived a humble life, yet their greatest joys and successes are not be measured in terms of monetary gain. They have 8 children, 48 grandchildren, and over 100 great grandchildren with many more rapidly coming. Their posterity all "walk in truth and righteousness". They have suffered through trials and heartache just like everyone else does. My grandfather does not have much time left and it's hard to watch them go through this transition time in their marriage. One thing I admire and love about my grandparents is that through it all,they always hold hands. I think the secret to their long life together is summed up in that small, often unnoticed gesture. I used to watch them sit together and hold hands. Actually, when I would walk into a room and see them, I often found myself checking to make sure they were still holding hands. I loved that my grandfather loved my grandmother. As a child, I found so much security in their relationship. As an "older" child, I still notice when they are holding hands. To me it means they are physically close to each other, they are aware of the other persons needs, they find comfort in each other, their is no tension between them, they are united.

To many people around us, 15 years seems like a LONG time to endure marriage. To me, "Endure" is all about attitude and 15 years is very near the beginning in our goal of eternity. I am thankful for the time I have had so far with Ken by my side and I look forward to many more years spent together....hand in hand.