Two years ago today the First Reader and I stood together under a shade tree and pledged our vows to one another. The day after, we had a rowdy unorthodox celebration in the gardens before a convention, leaping a sword to signify broken ties to all others but one another, our hands linked as we passed over the blade.
We are bound as closely now, as then. The honeymoon has never ended, just smoothed into the daily passage of life, which we deal with by talking things over, sometimes late into the night, to make sure we are unified in our direction. Friends still tease us about being adorable together, and frankly, I hope that never stops. I like the idea of modeling what love is at an age when most teens roll their eyes and say 'ew, gross! Lumpy old people!' (and yes, that is a quote from a certain young lady who lives in this house).
Life has changed a lot since we made our vows, but we knew that would happen. We might not have always known what shape the changes would take, but life offers you change on a platter, and it's not always appetizing. We've faced some tough battles together, hand in hand, and gotten through them together. He is my rock when I'm uncertain, and I try to offer him happy thoughts when life is bleak. We complement one another. The first Reader points out we also compliment each other.
Well, yes. There are mornings I'm still in bed, watching him get ready for work, and letting him know how much I appreciate the show. He returns the favor. The bonds between us are many, and woven tightly, but that does require attention and time as the years roll by, to make sure that strands aren't fraying and breaking between you. I'm not talking of a mere two years, here - this has been a trial-and-error process for me, and for him. We were just talking about our daughters, and how to help them learn some of these things before they leave the nest to be on their own out in the wild and scary world.
it's more than falling into love. It's about taking that first attraction and fanning it into an enduring flame. Infatuation burns hot and dies, love requires work, sacrifice, and persistence to keep it burning over the years. But it is, literally, a labor of love, and far from being a chore, or a burden, it's light and easy work. Wedded bliss is a goal worth setting and it is an achievable one!
And now, since it's our anniversary, I'm going to go off with my husband and celebrate.