Nine years ago, I embarked on a journey of love and partnership when I married my amazing husband. These years have been filled with joy, challenges, and countless memories. From raising three beautiful children to navigating life’s ups and downs, we’ve experienced both incredible adventures and heart-wrenching losses. We’ve moved houses three times and probably ordered more takeout curry than we can count, all while indulging in the latest talent shows.
I vividly remember our wedding day: a delightful celebration surrounded by cherished family and friends. My parents handled most of the arrangements, while my husband, who had never attended a wedding before, was a bundle of nerves, overwhelmed by the excitement (and perhaps assisted by an impromptu bachelor party the night prior). He shouted his vows, while I cried through mine.
Looking back at those photos brings mixed emotions. Yes, I’ve had three children, which makes me wistful for our younger, slimmer selves. However, the real sadness stems from the loved ones who are no longer with us—especially my grandmother, who complimented my beauty while lamenting the absence of “Our Alison.” Then there was my husband’s mother, who wore a stunning hat, the cost of which I promised never to disclose (and honestly, I can’t quite remember, thanks in part to the wine we shared that day).
The absence of these dear ones fuels my determination to make the most of every moment, though it can be a struggle when I wake up feeling exhausted. Life seemed easier back then; I thought I had marriage and parenting all figured out.
On the eve of my wedding, I was at home with my parents, indulging in our tradition of watching The Muppets Christmas Carol. I was about to sleep in my sister’s room, just like I did as a scared child. It was then that my mom presented me with something old—her mother’s engagement ring—and shared this wisdom: “You think you love him more than anything now, but just wait a few years when the shine has worn off and the special days are a memory. Then you’ll know what love is.”
My sister and I exchanged glances with my dad, who was being his usual silly self, and we burst into laughter. However, as time has passed, I find that her words resonate more deeply with me.
To Have and To Hold
Remember those days when we held hands everywhere and spent cozy evenings wrapped up together? As I type this, you’re pretending to be asleep on the edge of the bed while our 4-year-old sprawls out between us like a starfish. I have a 2-year-old bouncing on my stomach, and our 6-year-old is narrating his FIFA match from six feet away. The concept of “to have and to hold” feels pretty elusive right now.
For Better or Worse
Our marriage has seen plenty of joy, along with some challenges that we never anticipated. I’m not just referring to my cooking disasters. During our happiest moments, I’ve enjoyed sharing every second with you, despite your tendency to ruin every photo with your infamous “face” (which, I assure you, is not meant to offend).
We’ve also faced heart-wrenching days that tested our strength. It’s during these times that you’ve lifted me up, made me laugh, and supported me, even when you were struggling yourself. I appreciate every quirky trait of yours—even the ones that make me roll my eyes.
In Sickness and in Health
I’ve lost count of the countless times you’ve made me laugh in awkward medical situations and held my hair back during bouts of illness. Who could forget the Great Chicken Pox of 2007 and various other health crises? Occasionally, your comments have been a bit insensitive, like when you lightly remarked, “She’s got a cold!”—when in fact, the child had viral meningitis. But despite these moments, you balance me perfectly, much like yin to my yang.
Until Death Do Us Part
We’ve come to an understanding: should one of us pass away, the other is allowed a week in Vegas or a getaway of their choice to grieve. Afterward, it’s understood that we would start the search for a replacement, and I might redecorate and invite a certain musician to move in. And yes, I recognize that my habit of leaving teabags by the sink could accelerate this process!
Happy anniversary to my incredible husband. My mother’s wisdom was spot on, as usual.
For those exploring the journey of parenthood, you might find valuable information in our other blog posts, such as the at-home insemination kit and the intracervical insemination syringe kit. If you’re seeking comprehensive insights on pregnancy and at-home insemination, Healthline offers excellent resources.
In summary, love evolves over time, revealing its true nature through shared experiences and the challenges we face together. It’s a continuous journey that deepens with each passing year, reminding us of the importance of cherishing every moment and each other.
Keyphrase: Understanding Love Through the Years
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