14 Years

I didn't know when I pulled into that steak and shake parking lot looking for a red car (maroon is not red) my life would be forever changed. I never planned on finding my forever before I was old enough to drink but there you were.  Actually, that day when you hugged me goodbye I was sure I'd never hear from you again. Seriously, worst date ever. 

Life threw so many curveballs at us. So many times we could have given up but we just kept trucking on. That day, the one that changed everything, I remember your hand. I remember gripping it so tight and you were doing the same thing. The months that followed were the roughest months of our marriage. I never thought it would be the end but I remember feeling like the joy was gone. I remember asking you if we were still allowed to be happy.

I used to think we were lucky to have each other. That us finding each other on that stupid website was somehow the fates aligning or some shit. I know destiny may have played a hand but that you and I have done the work. I'm not giving that credit to anyone or anything but us. We aren't lucky to have each other we damn well earn each other every day. I'm proud of the way we have raised our kids, of the love they know,  of the love they see their parents share.