To My Husband

May 22, 2004

Seven years ago tomorrow, on a beautiful afternoon, I married my soul mate in a loving ceremony, surrounded by friends and family.  I can still remember how I felt that day.  I am so lucky to have met you and to have you in my life.  I can easily say that I have grown to love you more each year.  When I look back, it is amazing that we are here together, all from a chance encounter.

It was a warm summer evening, August 11, 2003.  I had turned 21 that May and had yet to go to a bar.  So, since college classes had not started yet and I was already a little bored living on my own, I headed down towards the strip of college bars and shops.  It is amazing, looking back, all the little things that slowed me down in getting to that street.  When I finally got there, I realized I didn't know where I should go.  Lo and behold, a group of guys on motorcycles happens to be driving in front of me.  I figured they would know a good place to go, so I would just follow them.  Yet, they didn't stop at any of the bars.  I ended up pulling up next to them at the next stoplight.  My window happened to be down and I hear someone trying to get my attention.  It was you.  You asked if I would like a ride.  I said yes.  We decided to meet back on the strip.  I drove around to park my car, you and your "posse" finally showed back up.  I didn't know at the time that chance meeting would completely change my life.  We all rode through town until 2 am, finally stopping at a local diner to eat.  When you dropped me off, you asked for my number and I remember I asked if you were really going to call me tomorrow or if it would be three days later.  You did call me.  We spent everyday for the next two weeks together and then you were gone for a month.  Training for the Army called.  I hoped that we would pick up when you came back, but there were no promises.  Yet, you showed back up at my door and I was so happy.

I remember us being apart more than together during those first few months.  Of your proposal New Years Eve in front of all our friends.  Our decision to get married 5 months later, after having only known each other for 9 months.  You deciding to re-enlist because that would be the best for us.  That first year of marriage was hard.  You lost your best friend right in front of you, then you had to go to Iraq.  On top of that, you returned to me hurt.  Then we started our lives over again outside the Army.  We tried to keep our spirits high, but there were definitely so rough patches.  You worked so hard at so many jobs until we found "the one".  It was all worth it!

Because of you, we have two amazing children together.  I get to stay home and blog about this wonderful life.  I cannot imagine what my life would be like if I had not met you on that street corner.  Something so unlike me, yet it was the real me that showed up that night.  You have taken me on so many adventures in such a short period of time.  I look forward to what the rest of our lives holds.  I love you.