Sunday, March 23, 2008

Seventeen Years and then some...

Today, hubby and I celebrated 17 years of marriage. We dated for 7.5 years so that is where the "then some.." comes from and before I tell you about my man, I have to share the conversation on the way home from church today.

Mom to 2nd grader: "Did you know that on this day 17 years ago, I married your Daddy?"

2nd grader: "How old were you guys?"

Mom: "I was 23 and your dad was 24."

2nd grader: "Hey, no fair, how come you tell me all the time that I can't get married until I am 30?"

I feel like I am losing him already.

Seventeen years. Wow - seems like yesterday, we stood at the altar, in the latest fashion of the early 90's - miles of white and teal green taffeta and an unending supply of candles and fresh flowers (my mom works at Park Seed), declaring our love for one another. We dated for...well, EVER. We met my Junior year in high school, dated all through college, waited a year to get jobs and then we waited to save money...and we are still waiting on that one. :) But I must say, that I have never tired of my life with my hubby. I have been blessed to marry my best friend.

I have had the privilege of seeing him grow into the husband and father that he is today. I was there when he got a thirst for the word of God. I was right along side him when God called him and equipped him to serve in the ministry and I was with him when the bottom seemed to fall out in a ministry position. I saw the overwhelming look in his eyes when the nurse handed him our son. But I never doubted for once that he would not be there for us.

I will never forget the difficulty he had getting through our vows on our wedding day - he continually chocked back tears thinking of the journey God had granted us to get to the altar. There was no doubt about his love for me on that day as we stood there before nearly 300 members of our families and friends. And I was there to comfort him, when he lost his father and one of his best friends to a massive heart attack just four years ago. It was one of the few times that as a rock solid man, I saw him break. But it made me love him more.

He is a man of integrity. He is loyal. He is trustworthy. He is my protector. He is my dream come true. We are more in love today than that day we walked down the aisle seventeen years ago. For that, I am grateful.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy Anniversary Honey...I pray that we are together for eternity and then some.

Kim

3 comments:

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

How sweet!!! Congratulations!!! May God continue to bless your marriage! ps-I've given Taylor the "don't get married until your 30" speech too!! =) Don't think it's going to fly with my Hopie, she can't wait to be married, but Taylor she is VERY practical, "Yes mommy, that sounds good."

Valarie said...

Happy Anniversary and Congrats on beating the odds of this world! All of heaven is rejoicing with you and so am I!!

Love ya Kim and I'm praying for you eye. ;-)
Val

Staple Gun said...

I can honestly say that I would not be the man that I am today without you! You are the best a man could be blessed with. And I look forward to another 17 years! Love you bunches!!!!!!!!