Look what I made.
Headed for 15 more years. And then some. Photo credit: Robin Winkles Photography.
Not the tall one, but those two smaller people. I did that.
Oh, okay. The tall guy helped, too, kind of like that person in study group who always manages to get away with contributing the poster board or offering to go have the presentation bound, but doesn’t actually do any real work? I’m not saying Mark’s role was insignificant – in fact, we would have failed this project without his, uh, part. What I’m saying is that his role in the people making, well, it was less involved than my role in the people making.
Now, though? Now we’re in this thing together. Making people is no walk in the park, at least after the initial phase of the project (Which did not take place in a park. I feel the need to point that out.). There is at least some napping involved in the making phase. But raising people? Dear lord. It’s a marathon, every day, and sometimes more than one marathon a day. And not so many naps.
I’m so grateful for this man who runs alongside, who is in it not just for 26.2 miles, but for the ultra distances and extreme trail runs. Metaphorically, that is. But you know what? If I asked him to train with me for 70.3 actual miles, I think he would. Because he’s that guy.
I’m grateful for this man who lets me dream, and even dreams right along with me. This man who encourages me to write, and who supports my frequently injury-riddled sporting endeavors. This man who knows that if we’re very blessed, the children will grow up and become independent, contributing members of society. And we can sell the crap out of our house and travel. I’m grateful that we both want to keep sharing adventures, even after this first enormous one has (sort of) ended.
Of course it never ends. We chose to bring the small people into the world, and even though they will grow up one day, we’ll always be their parents. So I’m grateful, once again, that I get to run this race – this very long, never ending race – with Mark.
Last Wednesday, January 4 was our 15th wedding anniversary. Fifteen! So I think things are pretty well locked in now, and barring any events that I refuse to imagine (because it would have to be something extreme and horrific and unthinkable), we’re in this thing. Together.
And I’m grateful.
Lapsed homemaker. Looking to hire a full-time housekeeper who will work for the sheer joy of a job well done and free coffee. Interested parties, DM please. 
Happy Anniversary my friend!
Happy anniversary! Love the photo and especially the “and then some!”
Here’s to many, many more!
Happy anniversary! Sounds like you found a good one!
Wow! Beautifully written. I hope I remember to be as grateful as you when we reach that mark down the line. It inspires me beyond words to read this and know it’s possible to still have that glow. Thank you from the bottom of my heart <3
Happy anniversary!
Happy Anniversary! I am linking this up to our Project Marriage fan page 🙂
Congratulations! 15, wow, that is an incredible milestone. And look at the kids, how big they are. Yes, here’s to one day selling the house and traveling. Without a car seat. 🙂
Congratulations on 15 years!!! Happy Anniversary!!
Happy anniversary, you guys!
You know, a half-ironman sounds a whole lot easier than parenting some days.
So beautifully written! Our 14th is in May, so I get you on the last part of the post.
I love your assessment that after 15 – you’re pretty much locked in.
Because I feel the same way.
When we celebrated our 15th in August, Bill and I both kind of looked at each other and said, “Well, I guess if we were going to jump ship, we would have done it by now.”
Not in those terms. Something less romantic, of course.
My point is, we just know. We’re it for each other. And that is a marvelous feeling.
It almost makes up for our kids not being babies anymore and the crows’ feet and the aging joints and the weak bladder.
Or it totally makes up for it.
One of those.
Congratulations, my friend. Enduring love is not the norm. So cheers to you and your next fifteen. And to an easy sale of your house.
Someday. 😉
XO
Happy Anniversary! I love that picture of your family. Cheers to many more!
Congrats! And Happy belated Anniversary!
I adore that photo and your words are gorgeous. Happy Anniversary to you both. And yes, here’s to MANY, many more!! Congrats!! 🙂
Oh, thanks Elaine! Will I see you at Blissdom??
Hey, that means that tomorrow is your 16th anniversary! Good job, you two! And Happy Anniversary (again).
Thank you!