Ten years ago today I married a man I hardly knew.
We met the summer of 2000. We started dating late that summer. I returned to college in Camrose while he working in Prince Albert. Eight hours of driving separated us. We were able to visit a couple of times and talked on the phone for HOURS! When he returned home (to PA) after a weekend visit, we decided that we needed to get married. There was no point in waiting longer. (And no, it wasn’t “that kind” of needed, but waiting longer, we knew it would be a greater possibility for a “that kind” of needed wedding.) We were going to elope. Our pastor talked us out of it. We had a small wedding – mostly family – and a few close friends.
I wouldn’t change it for the world. As I have grown to love and know this man, I know him to be caring, loving, fun, deep. He can fool an acquaintance to think he’s shallow or uncaring, but when you get below the surface those still waters are so very deep. He wouldn’t want you to know it, but a commercial or TV program can get him crying, unexpectedly. His pain runs deep. Just as easily, probably even easier, he can get laughing. He loves a good comedy!
Over the last couple years, my husband has become a better father! I struggled for a long time with the kind of father he was. He wasn’t a bad dad, just kinda distant, like he didn’t know how to interact with and react to little ones. Now, he enjoys his children so much. He likes taking them with him in his truck, and to the store. He loves to show them the fire trucks and teach them a new skill, or how to use a tool. He lets them do the things he is doing, whenever he is able.
I think the thing I love the most about this man, is that he helped me to become me. He taught me how to stand up for myself. I have gained confidence and social skills. He encourages my skills and doesn’t coddle me, but he is a comforter to me and helps when I’m feeling down. He understands that I hate housework and he helps as much as he’s able and so very often goes above and beyond. When he can’t help, he lives with the mess and tolerates the piles.
My hubby has some major quirks that a lot of women could never handle. Some days I don’t know how I deal with these things, but God has given me the grace and the persistence to do so. These things are what makes our relationship special and different.
Happy anniversary to us! Ten years and going strong!
Striving to learn and live God's purposes,
