It's All About The Experience

Today is Aaron and my 22nd wedding anniversary. This is the very first picture ever taken of us. The year was 1985. I was 14 years old and Aaron 16. We were getting ready to go to a dance and his dad snapped this as we were heading out to the car. We had no clue at that moment that we would still be together 26 years later.

That seems like forever ago. We were young, idealistic and had the world by the tail. I mean, come on, what 14 and 16 year old do you know that doesn't? We were care free and quickly became inseparable. When I think back to those years it brings a smile to my face.

All these years later we are still inseparable. There is no one else I would rather be spending my time with than Aaron. We have a saying, the two of us. Whenever we are doing something that is totally not fun, or is turning out to be a disaster we always say, "Well, at least we are doing it together. Just one more memory in life that we get to share". That's what it's all about to me. Sharing those experiences and memories.

We have experienced a lot together over all these years. Some difficult and unpleasant, but most have been great. The birth of two children, both difficult and great. 8 moves, 6 vehicles and countless appliances. 5 jobs between the two of us. 3 major family vacations and hundreds of small ones in between.  The death of several family members and one parent. Sickness and health. Richer and poorer. We have done both and everything in between. The important thing is that we have done them together.

It will not matter in the end what kind of car you drove, what the square footage of your house was or how fancy the clothes you wore were. It won't matter how big your TV was or how many exotic places you have been. In the end, the only thing that matters is that you lived your life to the fullest you could, with a great attitude, and you did it together.

I want to share every experience I can with Aaron. That is what makes a marriage strong. Sharing in the good things, helping each other out through the bad, and making it to the other side hand in hand. 

Your car will quit running. The dishwasher will break. Clothes will wear out and go out of style. But your experiences and memories are forever. Keep those close to your heart and get as many of them as you can.

Happy Anniversary Aaron. I love you and can't wait for the next 26 years!