Coincidentally, Michelle and I were married on Saturday, May 22. That’s about where the similarities end, though.

That day back in 1993 was a little cooler, but had a nice mix of sunshine and clouds. Today is dreary, to say the least, and there is a good chance of rain. Thunderstorms, maybe, too…

Back then we were struggling to understand each other intellectually, emotionally, spiritually. Well, okay… we do now, but at that point we were going through a stretch that was easily the second most difficult and painful since we started dating over 13 years ago. The first, if you’re wondering, was dealing with the aftermath. Let’s just say that you can wound and scar each other, all in the name of “love,” in ways that don’t surface in your relationship for a long time. I may write about that some other time. Don’t hold your breath, though.

The most obvious way things are different is the addition of our girls. Blah blah blah, yadda yadda yadda. The part that’s not so obvious is how they have impacted our lives and our relationship. There’s a certain solidarity you discover when you’re outnumbered by little human beings who have little or no concept that the universe doesn’t actually revolve around them. Of course there are points of contention, but that doesn’t change the fact that we’ve found strength in the storm created by 3 young children in the house.

Life has been interesting, to say the least. I’m glad that my bride and I have made it to 11 years. I know I’m still as madly in love with her as I was when we committed our lives to each other. Here’s to another 11 years together, and beyond!