The Big 1 0

Well, it's official. As of Friday, we have been married for ten whole years. That is a long time. That is more than one third of my life and slightly less than one third of Marc's life. This is a big deal. I am ashamed to say that with the insane pace at which this month flew by thanks to rehearsals, a trip to North Dakota and helping friends move, I failed to write Marc a card for our anniversary. I wanted it to be pretty great and just didn't have the time and space to sit down and write it. So, babe, this one's for you:

Ten years ago I was 18 and you were 22. I thought I wanted years more of being single, serving a mission and changing the world all on my own. You changed my mind. Instead, I found myself trusting you to take care of me and wanting to change the world together. You haven't let me down.
Ten years ago I was without trepidation as I knelt across an alter from you, surrounded by family, and said "yes" to our life together.


Since then, I've had plenty to be trepidatious about but "us" was never one of those things. We've
moved, totaled cars, battled illness, run a business, been (almost) arrested, written a thesis, survived medical school, worked multiple jobs, mourned a miscarriage, suffered a failed adoption, lived in the ghetto, endured a robbery,  lost a lot of money, short-sold a house, gone through five rounds of IVF, lived through the infancy of premature twins, moved again, had two more beautiful but active boys, and have just about (one month to go!) finished a medical residency. Through it all, you have been my rock. Except when you haven't, and then I have been yours. It's nice to be needed. I guess that's why you wanted to marry a "hard-headed woman". I think you got one.

Looking at this list of stressful life events probably should be traumatic, but many of them bring up memories that make me laugh. Life with you is good, so good. I like the comfort and familiarity that comes with this decade of marriage and yet I feel that I am still getting to know the person that is you. You still surprise me. I'm glad I have a lot longer to figure you out. Maybe I'll eventually understand why you suck on your chocolate rather than just chewing it like a normal person. Maybe not. I love you anyway.
I'm sure that I will have new experiences to add to our list over the next ten years. I know that some things will be hard but I know we'll get through. You just can't keep a good couple down. Thank you for being my better half, my sounding board, my biggest fan, my broccoli-checker, my emergency substitute and my designated hug-giver. I love love love you. Happy Anniversary, baby.