Today is a significant day in my life (and as a result this post is totally self absorbed).
Today marks our 15th Wedding Anniversary!!! Where in the world has time gone? It truly seems just like yesterday that we were these two kids….
I feel that every anniversary is important to celebrate but my affection for easily divisible numbers loves that this current anniversary is divisible by five! I know that I had a life before I met this wonderful guy but those years seem so long ago.
I am proud of the relationship that James and I have created over the past years. From the beginning I have always known that I was loved, that I was supported and that regardless of what we were going through, we would get through it together.
We’ve gone through a lot over the past 15 years – new cities, graduate school, career changes, built houses, health issues, years of infertility, losses of loved ones and all along we have always known the other was there.
That is what marriage is about…. being there for the other one, being the caregiver when the day has been difficult, being the cheerleader when the other doesn’t think they can make it, just simply being there. There has never been a day in our marriage that I didn’t know this wonderful guy was going to be there for me. Over the past year a few of my friends have thanked James for the support he has given me while I have been grieving. He’s asked me “Why is it such a big deal.” I’ve told him I, and many of my friends, have seen spouses not provide support. I know that not all marriages are like mine.
We are not perfect. I have a tendency to want to attack anyone who hurts James – whether it be in the business world or in his personal life and over the years I’ve had to learn to control the Lioness in me. He’s come to accept that there are certain things around the house he will never do to my standards (although I have allowed him to do the laundry).
I thank God for the past 15 years. I thank God that I am fortunate enough to have this many years with the man I love (my parents only had 11 years before my Dad’s death).
We have been blessed as a couple – perhaps we have not always received what we wanted but we have received what we needed. Being able to accept that as a couple has made us stronger. We remind each other on a regular basis “We’re a Team” (and then we do a fist pump).
I thought about providing suggestions of what makes a great marriage but I didn’t want to appear like an expert. However, after 15 years, I feel the two of us are doing something right. So here are a few thoughts of what I feel have helped us.
Enjoy spending time with each other
James and I enjoy many of the same activities. We have similar interests but also have interests outside of our marriage.
We have regular dates with each other and make plans to do things we enjoy. We’ve also learned to like things that the other enjoys (it is because of James that I can tell you about the Bourbon Trail and DC Comics). I should also state that there are times my husband sounds just like a therapist – not sure where he gets that!
Have Friends Together
As we have all grown older, it has become harder to spend time together with our couple friends but we still see them on a regular basis. It’s important to try to have things in common with friends. Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
Well, the reality is this is hard to show in pictures – and James is much better at it than I am. He’s taught me to laugh at myself, at the situation and to not take myself too seriously. Be There As I said earlier, James and I have always been there for each other. Knowing that the other is going to answer the phone when the day is bad or change their plans when you need something is one of the most important pieces of our marriage. I know that James has had to encounter events which were not always comfortable for him (he was there with my Mom at her death, sat by Nanny’s bedside) but he was there!
Thanks Woolvie, for the past 15 years. Thanks for understanding my need for a large shoe and purse closet. Thanks for being such a wonderful support throughout the past year as I tried to gain my footing in a new world. Thanks for the fantastic trips and this wonderful life we have together.
I look forward to many more!
And now, in honor of it being Throwback Thursday and our Anniversary – here are some throwback pictures of the past 15 years…(enjoy the hair and fashions)
]]>
Congratulations! Such a beautiful thing to see. I also like that it’s divisible by 5. Haha. Lovely pictures and advice. Not taking yourself seriously and being there for each other are definitely essentials. I am nowhere near 15 yet but I can’t wait for forever with my husband.
I’m so glad others understand the divisible issue! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Happy Anniversary!! What a wonderful post!
Thank you Angela
Happy Anniversary! What a great post, I love seeing all the pictures! So sweet!
Thanks Jenny. It was fun going through the photos.
Happy Belated Anniversary! I love the photo of James the Leprechaun 🙂
Awww Congrats on 15 years Sheryl! xo