21 Years Today

Today Chuck and I celebrate 21 years of marriage. God spared Chuck's life last October and I am so grateful. I really don't know what I would have done had Chuck died.  I quit using my camera last year right after the accident; it was like my vision turned from seeing in high definition to gray-scale.  Without Chuck it didn’t seem like I was me any longer. When you grow up together there is a camaraderie that enhances your relationship, I believe. The support that each other gives to one another becomes foundational in the relationship.

 Chuck has been my cheerleader all my life. Almost everything I do today is because he believed in me and told me that I could do it. I would not be in college that is for sure.  Back when we lived in Iowa, it was Chuck who told me that I could get my GED. I was so afraid and I was sure they would turn me down at that door. But Chuck’s persistence pushed me through that first door.

When we decided that we would homeschool, it was Chuck who never, ever gave up on me as a teacher or mom. He was not only persistent but adamant that I was more than capable of teaching our children.  His belief in me never wavered when we had bad days, bad weeks, or even a bad year.

I have never been able to look at the world through his “rose colored glasses” as I have been known to call them, but I am so glad he has chosen to keep them on, especially when he was looking at me. :)

Contemplating this year and seeing all of the extreme changes our lives have had to adjust to makes this year very precious to us. Realizing you have been given a second chance is an awesome responsibility. Last year as we read Loveand War by the Eldredges there was a section that stayed with both of us. Being married gives each person the awesome ability to view another person’s life intimately. That person gets to show the other one how special they are. You get the privilege to share in their life and calling. This is so true; no one knows me like Chuck and vice versa. 

Walking hand in hand this year looked very different- sometimes it was supporting someone while they started taking their first steps again. Driving someone home from the hospital or driving someone to the hospital. Pushing each other in a wheelchair.  Cheering you on in physical therapy. Sitting close while listening to what the doctor said. Holding one another as grief would surface.

This year could compete as one of the toughest years of our lives. But what we have gained through each experience might not have come any other way. I believe as the years pass we will be able to look back to this year and see the strength that we gained, the empathy, the faith, and the resilience. When walking through it, normally we don’t see these things.

21 years ago we decided to walk this life together.  I am so grateful that Chuck said yes.:)