My heart swells with gratitude and love as I reflect on the incredible journey that Justin and I have shared over the past thirteen years.
Today marks our 13th wedding anniversary, a milestone that's not just a number but a testament to love, resilience, and the unwavering commitment we've had for each other. Thirteen years ago, I said "I do" to a man that I have followed around this entire country with my whole heart, my belief in him, and most importantly, my belief in us. We have embarked on a journey filled with adventure, challenges, and a love that has only deepened with time. My husband, oh my husband. I have watched Justin exemplify courage and commitment not only to our country and his career but also to our family.
We've built a life together that has countless experiences, and it's not just about the places we've been or the homes we've made, but the moments we've shared. Our family has grown, and the laughter and joy brought by the kids have been the anchors of our lives. They are the living proof of the love that binds us, a love that extends beyond the boundaries of time. It's crazy to think that we've done six military moves within four states - each child of ours being born in the state in which Justin was stationed (fun fact, two of those states are our home states). Like most changes, each move brought its own set of challenges and opportunities, but through it all, we stood together, hand in hand, facing the unknown with courage and resilience. Together, we've explored new cultures, created lasting memories, and strengthened the bonds that hold our family together.
I'm so glad we are both done with our undergrads! How "backward" our journey has been makes me chuckle. We found love, had a baby, and THEN pursued education. A testament that we are always teachable, degrees are always chase-able, and pursuing and achieving college degrees side by side, supporting each other through late-night study sessions, and exams, and the triumphs that come with academic success have only made us more seasoned and rich in our friendship. Our commitment to personal growth and learning has been a driving force in our relationship, and I'm grateful for the way we've encouraged each other to reach new heights. Knocking out this master's degree for the last six months has been BRUTAL, but you have had my back the entire time and I'm so dang grateful for that.
In the ebb and flow of this life, we've experienced loss together – the departure of every single matriarch we had, Nana being the most recent. As I reflect on those moments of grief, I know we have found solace in each other, leaning on our shared strength to navigate the new normal of our lives. I know that we have also learned that love is not just about being strengthened and loving each other endlessly. It's also about throwing out the life vest or raft when the other is drowning in unavoidable sadness or heavy emotions. It's about being a team - passing the baton, having empathy, and just showing up for one another each and every time.
Through SO many tears, even more laughter, joy, and pain, we've embraced the changes that come with time. We've grown individually and as a couple, accepting that change is inevitable and being stagnant is not an option - I continue to fall for the newest versions of us and our relationship. We've found harmony in understanding that growth is a beautiful part of the journey.
As we celebrate this 13th anniversary, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the man who has been my partner, my confidant, and my greatest supporter. Together, we've created a love story that's uniquely ours – a story of love, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.
Here's to the next chapter, my love. As we continue to write our story, may it be filled with more adventures, shared dreams, and a love that only deepens.
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