I love what Ann Romney said at the RNC on Tuesday night. She said that her and Mitt’s marriage was not a storybook marriage but a REAL marriage. That is what Dennis and I have; a real marriage.
We have laughed, cried and fought. We have had been through happy and sad times. We have weathered storms and difficulties and been each other’s rock through it all. It is amazing to me that in the most difficult of times, neither one of us is weak at exactly the same time. That, to me, is a blessing from the Lord.
I write this post because today is mine and Dennis’ 11th wedding anniversary. We have been through ALOT together in 11 years. We married when we were older (I was 29 and he was 30) and came into our marriage with some baggage, (me especially). For those that don’t know, Dennis is my 2nd marriage, and having a divorce in my past did pose some obstacles and hurdles to jump through to get past. Our marriage and life together has been a rollercoaster ride, but I mean that as more fun than not. Our first 4 years together were bliss, for the most part and these last 7 years have been a whirlwind, but years we wouldn’t trade for anything.
I know that our marriage, after Hannah was born, could really have gone either way. The health problems we have faced with Hannah could have made us or it could have torn us apart. I am happy to say, it pushed us closer together and bound us instead of driving a wedge between us. Don’t get me wrong…..we have had our difficult days, but I can honestly say, through it all, the Lord has proven Himself faithful and sustained us and our marriage.
I can’t imagine going through what I have as a wife and a mom with anyone but Dennis. He is a wonderful husband who works hard to provide for his family. His job is not an easy one, but he does his best to leave his work at work and be present as a husband and father at home. He knows me better than anybody and although he laughs at me alot, (yes, I give him good reason at times), he accepts me and my OCD-self just as I am! I have, as he calls “blonde moments” and I am sure if he were writing this blog, he would give you examples…..I will not do that! HA! We laugh together everyday, even if we are laughing at each other! He brings a lot of comedy into my life, although sometimes he thinks he is funnier than I think he is! HA! But, we still laugh!
He is my rock, my provider, my protector and I know that he would do ANYTHING for me, as I would for him. I can honestly say that I love him more today than I did 11 years ago. That love has grown over the years……it has become a love filled with respect, admiration and thankfulness. Dennis is a proud man, but also a man of integrity, honesty (except when he lies to surprise me) and family values and morals. When we received Hannah’s diagnosis at week 17 of our pregnancy, he honestly could have run and never looked back. I know men/husbands/fathers that have done that. He could have been so proud that having an “imperfect” child was not something he was willing to do and told me to abort her like the doctor wanted us to. But no, instead he looked at me at times when I didn’t think I could go on and said, WE CAN DO THIS, together and with the Lord! He instantly, without hesitation, told that doctor where he could stick it (in a gentlemanly sort-of way, of course…..since I am the one that is more brash and rude), and held me up, gave me a shoulder to lean on and got us through MANY difficult days. A husband that rallied around me, supported me, loved me and carried me (figuratively, not literally) through a very emotional and trying time.
I cannot imagine my life without him. I cannot imagine a more perfect man for me! He was Heaven-sent, because after my divorce I told the Lord I was going to be content with Him (the Lord) and my cat, Leroy, unless he dropped a man from Heaven for me. I know God hand-picked Dennis and me for each other, I have no doubt in that.
Dennis lets me be me……I am sure there are things he would change, but he knows it is pointless to try, and he loves me just the same, flaws and all! Even my love for Steinmart, he accepts. He has threatened to take the credit card from me at times, but I digress…HA! The older I have gotten, the more I don’t care what people think or say about me; the brasher I have become and my mouth tends to speak before anything is filtered through my brain; this is a family trait on my dad’s side….you know, place blame where blame is due! HA! But, even though I am not the same, timid, mild-mannered girl who Dennis married…..he loves me and has accepted the changes…..boy, hope he continues to because if I continue following that hereditary lineage, he is in TROUBLE! In spite of everything…..he loves me, that I am CERTAIN of!
Dennis, I hope and pray you know how much I love you and am thankful that you chose to marry me! I hope you know that I wouldn’t trade our “rollercoaster” life for ANYTHING…..You are the best thing that ever happened to me and I look forward to growing old with you…..wrinkles, turkey necks, big guts and all!
Happy Anniversary!