Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Our 18th Wedding Anniversary

DH & I just returned from a little getaway to celebrate our anniversary. This is the card I made for him (from the BasicGrey Bittersweet card kit.) Eighteen years of wedded bliss :) It is hard to believe we have been together for more than half of our lives. Every year on our anniversary dh says, "our time together is going too fast!" We have had so much fun and it is going by in a blink. We met in college at the ripe old age of 19. A mutual friend, Blaire, introduced us in August 1986. There was an immediate "pull". I don't know how else to describe it. Blaire introduced us, and dh and I chatted for hours. We quickly became the best of friends. On March 3, 1987 we had our first date. It was magic! Doug planned the most romantic proposal and we wed on June 22, 1991. The priest who married us had us take a personality test (required by the Catholic Church). He said he had never seen a couple score so high for compatibility. We knew that already, but nice to have a little reassurance :)

We were on the five year plan to have children, but due to unexplained infertility, it ended up being the 11 year plan. We were told by our doctors that 80% of marriages fail from the stress of infertility issues. It was a six year emotional roller coaster, but we were always there for each other. We prayed for a healthy baby, and we have two beautiful little princesses. When the girls were diagnosed with autism in 2004, the specialist told us that 80% of marriages fail due to the stresses of having a special needs child. Dh and I looked at each other, and trying not to laugh we replied, "Yeah, we're good." 2004 was an eye opening year trying to figure out which therapies to try, but we learned together. We continue to research new therapies to help our girls reach their full potential. I think it has helped us appreciate each and every milestone even more. Our girls are so much fun, and they find joy in everything. Life is good.

15 comments:

Windy Hills said...

This is a beautiful tribute to your family. God bless all of you, and we wish you continued success in all that you do.

Roberta said...

What a beautiful post June...so happy for you! Tim and Ashley also had a wonderful "compatability" result from their Minister during their marriage classes and they were married June 20th...yeah! I see their future as bright as your marriage has been. Have a great week, fondly, Roberta

Leslie Hanna said...

Congrats! And may you have manymanymany more years of bliss!

Just Call Me Grammy said...

Beautiful card...Happy Anniversary! I loved your story. When our youngest child was born prematurely and died we were told at the hospital that 80% of marriages don't survive the death of a child. Sounds like 80% of marriages don't survive much of anything. Glad to hear that yours is awesome!

Deb said...

Happy Anniversary June! What a lovely post, I'm so happy for you and your family. There is nothing in this world as precious as those we love and cherish!! :-)

joy said...

Happy anniversary to both of you. There is no greater happiness than to love, and be loved. Your family is certainly blessed! Tell those princesses "hello"!

stampmonkey said...

Congrats on your 18th! I love the anniversary card that you made, and your 'story' is so sweet. It's always nice to hear about a happy couple/family who learn to weather life's storms together. Our world needs more of them. ;) tfs

Love your work and would like to subscribe via email...is that an option (I didn't see it on your sidebar)?

Shauna K said...

Awww happy anniversary!!! Love the card, everything goes together so well!! Hehe, and who needs statistics, they're just a bunch of numbers anyways ;) I heard a quote somewhere, "93% of statistics are made up." Hehe! We were supposed to take a compatibility test (much to my hubby's chagrin) but we ran out of time. Our entire courtship/engagement was long-distance as the hubby was in the Army and I was finishing college, so pre-martial counseling was squeezed into the occasional weekends he was able to visit.
God bless, and may you have 18+ more years of blessed bliss :)

Maggie Lamarre said...

oh wow June thank you for sharing this with us.
Maggie
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Silli said...

Congrats June, and may you have many more years of bliss! The card is beautiful. Have a wonderful day. Bigs hugs from Silke

Chris said...

Hi June and happy belated Anniversary to you both, it seems you were made for each other, here's to many more years of happiness together. Your story was very touching to read and is proof of the saying...true love conquers all. hugs to you Sweetie, Chris x

Chrissie said...

I so enjoyed reading this June. I hope that you and your hubby had a wonderful anniversary, many, many congratulations. It was great to learn a little more about your family! Long may your happiness continue.
The card is wonderful by the way!
Chrissie

Mona Pendleton said...

Congrats on your Anniversary and TFS your special card as well as your story! God Bless you & your family :) Hugs, Mona

lauren bergold said...

what a gorgeous, breathtaking, lovely card...just the right thing for a very very special couple on their 18th... (WOW!!!!) ...and happiest yet...anniversary!!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥+♥
(that's 18 hearts...and one to grow on!) :)

Kristie said...

Congratulations on a wonderful 18 years together. This post is a lovely tribute to your beautiful family...your happiness and love for them always shines through when you write about them. You are certainly blessed ♥