Valentine’s Day is always a special time for me, not only because of this annual romantic holiday that can offer a special opportunity for romance and appreciation of the ones we love, but also because my wedding anniversary falls on the 17th. We had a red rose wedding, simple and elegant with that hint of the classic Valentine’s day theme. It was beautiful, really. I wanted to marry my man on the day we met, two years prior. I love that we can celebrate our love from the very beginning every year.
There are so many reasons why I am incredibly blessed to be married to my guy. Marriage is a tricky thing. I’ve seen many crumble into tiny pieces of pain, while others dissolve over lapses of tattered time. I’ve watched beloved friends rebuild their lives, after devastating blows to their heart. I am well aware of the gambling game I play as I roll the dice every day. I’d like to think that how we nourish and nurture each other may rule in our favor, while going against the odds. I’ve written a fair amount of that, here.
My husband is a keeper. I got lucky, ladies. I got really lucky.
Of course, I believe he was hand picked by God for me. I am constantly struck by the strength within our bond, as we continue to build our lives together- through all the hard moments and precious pieces that string together almost effortlessly. We are growing closer every day, finding our passion and discovering more dreams and desires while clinging to the safe security of each others trust. And through each and every turn, I’m soaking in the love and adoration from my man.
One of the greatest gifts he has given me through the years, is how he always tells me I am beautiful. He doesn’t just say this when I actually work at it- but more importantly and quite crucially, he tells me when I least expect it, or feel I deserve it. There’s something so intrinsically fulfilling to know your man truly thinks your beautiful.
Did I tell you he’s a keeper? Yeah.
Today I am over at Scary Mommy with one of the most intimate pieces I’ve ever written. It makes me tremble with both intense vulnerability and deeply profound appreciation for my man, as we celebrate 14 years of our marriage. We have experienced enough challenges and triumphs to realize that in the hardest places, love will either rise to battle or fall in defeat. This piece speaks to our love rising through a significant change in my life, and ultimately his too.
I’d be so grateful, if you went on over to read it. It’s perhaps one of my favorite essays I’ve ever written. You can read it HERE.
Here’s to love, in it’s many forms with many people.
May you FEEL it, this Valentine’s Day- and always.
Hi Chris! I had NO idea what you have been through, this is just a stunning essay about love. Real love. The messy, effort-filled, effortless kind. Wow. I think I’m falling in love with your husband myself…
What a choice you had to make! And your husband was right there for you, helping you heal emotionally and physically. That’s a true match. He has been, and will continue to be, such a blessing in your life. And never forget that you are the love of his life.
Happy Anniversary, and Happy Valentines Day too. Something tells me, you’ll have just that.
Blessings,
Ceil
Oh Ceil, am I blessed or WHAT? Yeah- I love how you said that- Effort-filled and effortless. It truly is both. It takes hard work and sacrifice and compromise and oh such dedication to fuel and marriage. I’m SO grateful we both keep reaching. <3
Aw, love that you are over there telling your story and honestly made me smile reading all about the love that you and your husband indeed share. Happy Valentine’s Day and Anniversary, too!! 🙂
Thanks SO much, Janine!! I am so grateful for all your love and support!! I hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s day too, my friend!
You have blessed me with your words. Thank you. It is lovely to read of marriages that are strong in love and respect. And to witness that through your words, really is a blessing. I’ve been divorced for almost 20 years, and have gone through some pretty crazy times in the wrong choices I made. Then I dedicated my life to God and He is transforming me. And still have hope for a completely redeemed life (and maybe even be able to say, “I got lucky, ladies” one day too).
Oh Lynn! What an incredible story you hold. I am just thrilled that you have the GREATEST love of all… that will be enough. I believe you are ‘lucky’ already then. <3 (And your bonus love- well that will come too. 🙂 )
I can’t wait to read it!
We’re in a bit of a turning point here, at seven years of marriage. It’s changed a LOT over the past month.
I hope it’s changed for the better, T! Marriage definitely has its seasons… <3
“““My Darling, Chris,
I did not know this.
I did not know. Why?
O, somehow I even love you more. xxx
I could not comment at SM.
Aw! Thanks babe. I wrote about it before you and I connected, I believe. It was a tough season, but also and incredible gift too. And I had my man to help me through… <3
(It's really difficult to comment over there... I struggle with that too!)
I’ll leave the comment here that I tried to leave over there (not sure if it went through).
” This is as piercingly beautiful and honoring as anything I’ve ever read. “You see, I believe you.” Thank you for sharing this poignant and very personal essay, Christine. I had no idea. Layers and layers in your life stories that never fail to inspire me and stir me to look at my own relationships with renewal.”
You are a gift to every single person who comes across your words and spirit.
You always make me cry, Julie! Your encouragement and your gorgeous descriptions leave me breathless. I mean it. I’m so incredibly grateful for you, dear friend. <3
You do have a keeper because he gets that marriage is work. He is willing to work just as hard as you do to keep that red rose in bloom. (Couldn’t comment at SM)
Aw! I’m so grateful you came back to share your beautiful comment, Kerri! I just love how you said that. <3
I always have trouble commenting over there….but I loved it Chris. What tribute to you marriage. LOVE! Happy Anniversary.
Thanks sweetie! And I always have a hard time commenting over there too!! Ugh. I’m so grateful for your support!! Truly. 🙂
Chris! I’m back. I didnt know about your surgeries. I’m so sorry. Oh, you are strong and brave. I admire you! Sending love and hugs!
AW! You are SO sweet to come back, Allie!! Thank you so so much, my friend. <3 I am really blessed to have been able to DO something to prevent much worse from happening. THAT is the best part of the story...
That is truly inspiring. Love is in the air!
Thank you so much, Lux! I’m blessed. <3
I’ve been just as lucky. Heading over now.
I am SOOOO GLAD you too, have been so lucky. Ah… lucky lucky us. <3 (Thank you SO much for reading it and sharing it, my friend!! Truly grateful for you!)
I’ll comment here since it kinda personal that I have the snots now. LOL! Chris that was beautiful. You have been through sooooo much and to us outsiders looking in to the bits you’ve shared, you are so beautifully and spiritually positive. Congrats on your soon to be 14 years and God bless your sister!
AW!! Thank you snotty!!! LOL I adore your love and support, Kenya! I really feel so blessed- I am grateful to have had the ability to prevent something REALLY terrible from happening, and AND? I’ve got the greatest guy along with me for this ride. SO much to be thankful for… so so much. <3
Such an amazing story of your own personal courage and Love that fueled it, and the power of Love from a good and Godly man. So sorry for your experience, but as He always does, something Good has definitely come out of it. Love covers over so much. Thank you for sharing. xx
Thank you so so much, Leslie. I am blessed. SO blessed, in so many ways. <3
Thank you for sharing your story in such a pure way Chris. I am in awe. For your strengh and the love you share. Your husband is right. You are beautiful. Truly – Deeply BEAUTIFUL my friend.
xoxoxo
OH thank you so so much, for your beautiful encouragement Marie! XOXO
So good!
So, so good.
Thank you SO much, Paul! 🙂
Such a beautiful piece about love and marriage…very rare…heartwarming…so blessed!!!
Thank you for really appreciating this, Lynne. I’m so grateful for your encouraging response! <3 I am soo blessed.