It's a Match, Part 2

It's a big week in my household. It's not only the week of Valentine's Day, but it's also the week we celebrate our anniversary. Today marks our 18th year of married life!

From the beginning, odds may have been against us. On our first lunch date, his car was packed for a weekend of golf. Mine was packed for a weekend of skydiving. He talked about Alabama football. I talked about... skydiving. He enjoyed running. I enjoyed... skydiving. His family made sure he had a college education. I was still paying my way through school while juggling full- and part-time jobs.

But I liked him. Although I was admittedly confused about his passion for golf and college football.

After a few more dates, we clicked. I even became an Alabama fan, wearing crimson, which I was sure clashed with my hair. And he ventured to the airport with me a few times to watch me jump and to join me on a few flights.

He proposed on his parents' anniversary, right in the heart of 'bama territory. He figured that if I accepted his proposal at a football game, I would certainly understand his passion for Bama football and wouldn't hold it against him in the future.

We set our wedding date for the following April but moved it up to February when we found a house to buy. A small, white frame "cottage," it was definitely not the three-story house on the lake that we had first looked at!

It seems amazing that 18 years have passed since that special February day. Since then we have worked hard to build a home for our family and were blessed to welcome a daughter into our world five years after our marriage.

On the outside, one would not think our marriage was such a monumental event. We met, fell in love, and got married. It happens all the time to other people. But it was even more than that. My husband brought to me the kind of life of which I had dreamed. One of stability, of safety, and of love.

A man of few words, my husband speaks the language of love through actions more so than words. He helps take care of our home, washing clothes, cooking meals, keeping the grass mowed. He wakes up earlier than necessary to prepare my breakfast and package my lunch each and every day of the school year. And it's not just any breakfast or lunch. He is thoughtful enough to vary my meals, so I don't get tired of eating the same thing each day.

And even though he doesn't say much, he has often captured my heart with just a few simple words scribbled at the bottom of a card.

This man of few words is a man of many actions, and his actions speak louder than words. I wouldn't trade my 18 years of marriage for anything. I am blessed and happy to be his wife.

Happy Anniversary!

xoxo