Eight Years

Most years I spend this day with a pit in my stomach. A yearly reminder of a scary time. 

But this year, we're celebrating. This year, Jesse kicked today's ass. He has put in so much time and effort into his recovery. He doesn't complain about the hand he was dealt. He has never let people discourage him from reaching his goals. 

Now, here he is, PASSING his big exam! Anything is possible if you set your mind to it and work hard. Jesse is only a couple more steps away from being a teacher! Now that he's passed his test, he'll have to send off for his certification. Then he can send out applications. We're hopeful he'll be hired soon enough and living out his dreams! 

8 years ago I thought I might lose him. But he's one hell of a fighter. So today I am thankful that he is still here. I'm thankful for the example he is. I'm thankful that he never gave up. I'm thankful for the time we've had together. I'm thankful that he's mine.

Because he's so determined, we are able to build a life together. We have been together 8 years. That's 8 long years of good times. We've both graduated college. We got married. We have a beautiful baby girl. 

We certainly know far too well about challenging times but we also know we have lots to be thankful for. God has blessed us in so many ways. 

When I think about this day, this year, I can't help but think maybe we needed this trial. Maybe we needed it to open our eyes and hearts to one another. A cementing moment in time where we knew our love was stronger than anything life threw at us. A moment in time for complete clarity to see that together is where we are meant to be. 

Now, we find ourselves facing hard times again. But I know we'll survive. We'll each pick up a load at the end of the day and keep on truckin'. As long as we have each other, we'll be just fine. 

So on this May 4, I'm simply a proud wife. My husband, my best friend, is making things happen and I couldn't be happier for him. 

ON THIS DAY IN OUR HISTORY: Jesse also chose me to be his forever 5 years ago today. I was ecstatic and had been waiting for what seemed like forever to say yes. I have never doubted for a second my choice to say "yes." What a wonderful ride it's been so far :)