Five Years Later

Five years ago, I stood in an old barn and married a man I had known since I was 12.

We didn’t talk much until we were 18 and went to colleges 500 miles apart, but along the way we each realized the awkward kid we knew from 6th grade had turned into a pretty cool adult, and that life was better when we were together.

Joey, on our anniversary, there is one thing I’d like to say to you (besides, “I adore you”) – I’m so glad I chose you. As we fumbled our way through the last 5 years, we somehow created a relationship that is constantly growing and becoming stronger. And we still really like each other.

About a year ago, I wrote that our endless, difficult home remodel was for a bigger purpose than just improving a house. At the time, I didn’t know what that bigger purpose was. Now I realize our run down home has been the backdrop to our ugliest and brightest moments. Through our frustrations and laughter, we developed a deeper understanding and respect for each other, and while we were at it, we literally built something together.

There have been many moments when I wished we had never bought our house. But in retrospect, I’m so thankful that we did.

In a few weeks, we’ll face the project of transforming an infant into a mature, loving and responsible adult. Just like they say owning a dog is great practice for having a baby, I think rebuilding a house is great practice for becoming parents. We’ve learned so much about facing unknown challenges, how to turn crappy situations into something funny and what the other needs in dark, teary moments of frustration. I know we can’t predict how this next chapter unfolds, but I’m pretty confident it’s going to be just as good as, if not even better than, the last.

So, let me say it again because that’s how much I mean it – I am so glad I chose you to be my husband, best friend, remodeling partner and father of my child. Here’s to the next five years – holy crap are they gonna be interesting!

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