(Somewhat) Short and Sweet

17 1/2 years ago, I fell in love with the man of my dreams (I know, GAG, but it's true!!). 15 years ago today, I married that man. It's crazy to think about, really, because it doesn't feel like it's been nearly that long and yet I feel like I've known him my whole life. It's almost hard to remember life before him. I like it that way.

We've had our really low points, like nearly going bankrupt, losing two babies early in my pregnancy with each of them, Sean having a horrible reaction to medication after surgery that had us (and the doctors) questioning if something was seriously wrong, losing my dad only a year ago. We've never questioned, even once, if our marriage would make it. But there were times when we wondered how we'd get by--financially, emotionally, physically.

We've also had our really great moments--I've given birth to 4 beautiful children, we're in the process of adopting a 5th, Sean has been blessed in business, receiving 4 different promotions at work in just a 5 year time frame! We are now living in a beautiful city that we are growing to love and we are steadily building the life we've always dreamed of. It's been an incredible ride so far!

I say all of this, not to brag by any means, because although we've made mistakes, learned from them, moved on and worked really hard along the way, we deserve none of it. We are humbled DAILY as we look back on the life we've had so far and how bright the future looks.

Instead, I share this all to say--none of it matters. All of our "success" by the world's standards could be gone tomorrow. Sean could lose his job, we could lose our home, our health could fail. We are not promised tomorrow. So in reality, none of it matters. And as far as I'm concerned, with Sean by my side, I can get through anything.

I have an incredible husband. He is hard-working, God fearing, full of integrity. He is smart, he is an amazing dad--he has been actively involved in our kids' lives from day one. He is a leader, a man of character. He reaches out to those around him, aiming to build them up, to encourage them. He believes in the strength he finds in other people, and he never expects more from someone else than he does of himself. He protects me, he values me, he knows all of my deepest darkest secrets, sees all of my sin, yet loves me unconditionally. He is my soul mate, the love of my life, a man for whom I have the utmost respect. He never ceases to amaze me with how he loves me, how he loves our family. He is more than I could've hoped for, everything I dreamed of, and so much more than I could ever deserve.

I made the best decision of my life when I said "yes" 16 years ago, and I do it all again in a heartbeat. I love you to the moon and back, Sean, and I look forward to sharing many more tomorrows with you by my side.