18 years ago, my 24-year-old self became a June bride.  My husband would turn 25 on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic.  It was the “Year of the Wedding”…not just ours but with many of our friends getting married as well.  We joked we belonged to the Wedding of the Month Club.  It was a fun time.  Expensive, I’m certain, but at 24 who really dwells on that?  I certainly don’t remember losing any sleep over it.  For our own wedding, my girlfriend and I attended a bridal show and I won the GRAND PRIZE as we were leaving.  It consisted of a wedding gown, tux rentals, limo rental, wedding cake, hotel room, flowers and a bunch of other stuff.  All I know is…… SCORE!!!  (and boy were my parents happy!)

Fast forward 18 years, 4 kids, 1 townhouse, 3 houses, 2 dogs and 1 cat later.  We are but a glimpse of the smiling young couple you see above.  Not in a bad way.  In a roll-with-life way.  Kids change you.    Growing up changes you (NOW finances can cause you to lose sleep!).  Jobs change you.  Life changes you.  For us, I am happy to say that we still enjoy each other’s company.  We still laugh.  We still fight.  We still love.  So much has changed and yet, most days, in my heart, I still feel like the bright and happy 24-year-old.

Anyone that’s married can tell you, it’s not easy.  And either no one tells you that before you get married or you choose not to hear it from those cynical old biddies.  After you’ve been married awhile you see the humor in the jokes and understand what those people were trying to tell you.  It’s worth it though.  A marriage requires an effort.  A marriage requires TWO people to be engaged.  If you are in it for the long haul, be sure to pack some humor, compromise, forgiveness, hope, dreams and lots of love.

It’s been quite the ride and I’m looking forward to the rest of it…achy bones, graying hair and all!!