Anniversary

The story goes that Nancy and I met at an all woman's Bible study back in 1988. I was 26, Nancy was just 24. We made a commitment from our hearts and it has brought us to this day of celebration. And we are not afraid to admit that our relationship is strongly built on faith. Faith in one another, faith in a stronger power, faith in ourselves.

We have a lot to celebrate! We both came into our own while we were together. I would like to share with you what Nancy and I have accomplished together, as a couple and as individuals over these past 22 years.

I'm sitting in my living room that is filled with such color and sunshine as I write this. This color is not just from the walls, but from the art and treasures that fill this space. These are not items that can easily be replaced. These pieces of art carry stories and memories that have filled our 22 years together. To us they are strong memories of great and wonderful, gifted and talented, joyful and inspiring people in our lives and places we have shared.

Nancy and I have owned two homes together. We have traveled, we eat wonderful food, work in our garden, see movies, go shopping, soak in our hut tub and play with our dog. But as much as we have done together that is tangible, there is so much more to our relationship that we have shared that is life changing. We have stood at each others bed side when in the hospital (yes, carrying the documents to show that we care about each other). We've discussed raising children, refinancing our home, paying bills and medical issues. We have supported one another when we had to leave a job, choose another job or just be unemployed (together). We have watched nieces and nephews grow, family members and friends have kids, holiday's with the "in- laws", wedding anniversaries and the loss of grandparents.

What I believe has been the cornerstone of our relationship that has built so much trust, faith, strength and peace over these years, was "coming out" to ourselves, to one another and to our family. Our honesty to each other and those we love I believe have formed, shaped and molded our relationship beyond what we ever believed it could be.

Happy Anniversary, my love.