Nine years ago, I embarked on a beautiful journey with my partner, a period filled with immense joy and personal growth. Throughout this time, we have welcomed three children, navigated numerous adventures, endured both joyful and sorrowful moments, experienced the upheaval of three house relocations, and indulged in countless evenings of takeout and television.
I vividly recall our wedding day, a truly joyous event surrounded by beloved family and friends. My parents played a significant role in orchestrating the celebration. My husband, who had never attended a wedding before, navigated the day in a state of bewilderment, having participated in an impromptu bachelor party the night prior. He nervously shouted his vows, while I shed tears during mine.
Looking back at our wedding photos evokes a mix of emotions. The passage of time, coupled with the physical changes from having three children, gives me a sense of nostalgia. Yet, it’s the absence of certain loved ones that strikes me most profoundly—my grandmother, who expressed her delight in the day while lamenting the absence of “Our Alison,” and my husband’s mother, who proudly donned a memorable hat (the cost of which remains a secret). Their absence fuels my determination to cherish every moment, although some days feel overwhelmingly exhausting.
As I prepare to reflect on our vows, I remember the night before our wedding. I was at my childhood home with my parents, reliving traditions like watching “The Muppets Christmas Carol.” My mother gifted me her mother’s engagement ring, and in that moment, she shared a thought: “You believe you love him more than anything now, but as time passes and the initial excitement fades, you will truly understand what love is.”
As time has passed, her words resonate deeper. To my partner, I reaffirm our vows:
To Have and To Hold
I often reminisce about the days when we held hands and snuggled on the couch. However, as I type this, you are pretending to sleep while our 4-year-old takes up most of the bed, a 2-year-old jumps on me, and a 6-year-old narrates his FIFA match a few feet away. Holding you feels impossible.
For Better or Worse
We have certainly experienced our share of joyful moments and challenges in our marriage. While I’m not solely referring to my culinary skills, the joyful days have been a delight to share. Yet, some days have tested us to our core, marked by painful losses that left us speechless. It is during these trials that you have supported me, made me laugh, and carried me through despite facing your own struggles. Your quirks, even those that make me roll my eyes, are part of what I love about you.
In Sickness and in Health
The number of times you’ve awkwardly navigated medical situations is countless—from our children’s illnesses to my own mishaps, like when I fell and broke my arm. There have been moments of inappropriate laughter, and it’s clear you may not have a future in pediatrics. Still, you balance me out perfectly, and, reminiscent of a famous line from a beloved film, “You’re the love of my life.”
Until Death Do Us Part
We’ve made a pact regarding what would happen should one of us pass away—each granted a week of freedom in specific situations. It’s a lighthearted acknowledgment of the serious nature of life and love, ultimately underscoring the importance of cherishing our time together.
Happy anniversary, my dear. In hindsight, my mother was right, as she often is.
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In summary, love is a profound journey that evolves over time, filled with both challenges and joys. It is essential to appreciate each moment, remembering that the depth of our commitment is tested and strengthened through the years.