We Were Strangers Starting Out On A Journey...

Favorite and I celebrate eight years of marriage today.

Eight years.  It doesn't seem possible that we've been together that long--particularly when I realize that all but 2 years of my adult life have been spent with him.  And we've certainly grown up in that time period.

We've learned to navigate trailer living--even when the roof blows off on the morning of the New Year.  Turns out landscaping rocks can weight a tin roof fairly well.  Together, we also figured out that hot water is extremely nice, but not completely necessary.  And when we were finally done freezing our behinds off in the shower, we learned that you really need very little to survive in a new house.

We've learned, together, that losses never stop aching, but there is solace in truly understanding one another.  I wish I could tell you that every year of our marriage has been easier than the last, but that's just not even close to the truth.  Fortunately, the core of that relationship has definitely grown stronger even when things haven't gotten easier.

He is the man God planned for me.  He's the one who is strong enough to carry me.  He is the one who provides for our family.  And he's the one who has reminded me that things will get better.  Thankfully, today, I can tell you that he IS my better.

I love you, babe.

In the end, I want to be standing at the beginning with you.