Some days it feels like only yesterday, other days it feels like a lifetime ago. But 21 years ago I married the love of my life.
It all started with a phone call from a mutual friend. He said he had a boy who wanted to go out with me. (We curse him daily to this day! heh!!)
My date that night was the sweetest, quietest, shyest boy I had ever met. We rode in silence. He answered my questions with one word. He kept BOTH hands on the steering wheel at all times. Though he did relax before the night was over, he was still the sweetest boy ever. I came straight home and wrote my best friend a letter, she still had it last I heard, and told her I was going to marry this boy. Who knew?
He was by my side everyday. When most young man would have turned tail and run when I announced I was pregnant, he stood by my side. * He even brought me Reece’s Cups everyday, my only craving, that is a sure sign of a good man!* He was right there during the delivery *screaming for pain meds.* He was there for all of the scary new mom times too. He said all of the right words and did all the right things.
We put my engagement ring on lay-a-way *hey, we were broke and young*, it should have taken 6 months to pay it off, but he took every odd job he could find and in less than a month we were sitting in the parking lot of the mall and he was asking me to marry him. Of course I said yes! I mean at 16, what is more romantic than a mall parking lot!?! Besides I had made up my mind after one date.
On September 12, 1987, I stood in my bedroom with my father and my son, getting ready to walk out the door into a whole new life. I never wondered if it was the right thing to do, I never thought about whether or not I had lost my mind. I took a deep breath, walked through the door and never looked back. He was offered a ride in the fastest car in the yard, the best way to escape. He refused the offer, I think he regrets that decision daily. heh!!
In the year that followed, I swear if we lived together for 6 months I would be shocked to discover it. We were young, we were spoiled, we were stupid. We fought like cats and dogs! He spent his time with his dad, ate dinner with his mom, ran with his buddies like any other 18 year old boy. I on the other hand, took care of a toddler, I cleaned up the house he rarely saw, I cooked the meals he never ate, I was forgotten by my friends *a toddler is a joy kill for most teens!*
Every time we fought, I run to momma and he ran to his friends. One time we even went as far as dividing our things. And he promptly sold many of the things he got. The microwave, the dishes, the flatware and a few other things. After a few weeks, we really talked, the first time since we got married and something clicked. I would love to say we have been happy ever since, I would be lying, but I would love to say it.
We never do anything on the traditional anniversaries. For our first, I cooked supper *roast, potatoes and carrots* and got a babysitter. We forgot to eat the wedding cake we saved.
For our 2nd anniversary we went camping. WOOT!! Camping in a tent! Now that makes for a romantic weekend.
We went to Gatlinburg for our 9th anniversary. Rented a cabin, went on nature walks, shopped. We even dressed up and went to a nice restaurant for dinner. Then on our 10th, Nothing, Nada. I guess I cooked dinner. I mean we usually eat out or I cook a nice meal for dinner.
Then came the 14th anniversary, we completely forgot it. That was the year that 9/11happened and we, like the rest of he world, were parked in front of the TV. I don’t think we even said happy anniversary!
On the 17th, we went to Tunica. MS and gambled away our money. Actually we broke even. We got lucky and won fairly big early on and gambled away our winnings.
For the big 2-0. Dinner and a babysitter. So see the normal big ones, we do nothing. The odd years we take trips or have big plans! We are weird. So what is in store for number 21, who knows. I am hoping for a romantic weekend for two at home, he still wants to go to Gatlinburg to the car show. Maybe it will be a romantic weekend for one at home and a car show for the other.
After 21 years I had to ask myself a question……..Would I change anything? Maybe but probably not. Our first year was rough but it taught us to talk to each other and every year since has brought us closer. He is my husband and my best friend. He puts up with my crap. I can’t say that for many people, so I think he is a keeper.
I married an 18 year old boy, we grew up together, we fought, we made up, we loved each other, we have stood by each other in good times and bad, in sickness and health and in poor and poorer *we are still waiting for that richer part*. We have raised two wonderful boys, who have grown into very special young men. We are raising a wonderful daughter and hope she becomes a special young lady someday soon. We have been through a lot. More than some and less than others and we have survived it all.
So I raise my glass to my wonderful husband. The boy I married and the man I continue to love.
Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!
Until next time……
HAVE A GREAT DAY AND THANKS FOR VISITING!!!!!
