The Story So Far.........

I have been fortunate, I suppose, in that I have not made many huge, life-altering bad decisions. Don't get me wrong, I have made some poor choices. And I live with the consequences of those. But because I am cautious and analytical I tend to over think things. To a fault. To a point where my mistakes have usually been more of the "not taking the chance" sort.





So, it is particularly amazing to me that I made one of the best choices of my whole life 11 years ago today. I was just a girl. I still doodled on notebook paper and chewed bubble gum. The fact that God gave me the insight to take such a wonderful risk- well, it's miraculous.





And the man who God brought into my life when I was a mere 16 years old- and who stood there at the altar of the First United Methodist Church and took the same risk as I did- well, he's a miracle too.





He's not perfect. He leaves his dirty socks and pants next to the bed everyday. And he tracks nasty bits of french fry crud into my house everyday. And he expects me to feed him dinner almost everyday (oh okay, at least once a week) But folks, have you met me?





These days I am a pretty good wife. I do what I can. But 11 years ago, I was a girl. A pain-in-the-ass little girl. We have explored many of my neurotic tendencies here, this man lives with those on a regular basis. We won't even go into the OCD issues I've had for years. But let's just say the phrase "Go check the door again" is pretty familiar to him. Especially after he's gotten into a warm cozy bed on a cold night. And then there's my hobby. Or what he calls it- shopping.





Nevermind that neither of us grew up with our immediate families intact. He didn't have the role models to look to, He didn't have the mentor to tell him how to make it work. Yet, he made that desicion from the start, to stick with it.





He is involved in every aspect of our children's lives. When he's not there, they miss him. He is there for them in a way that he did not know as a child. He was never afraid to change a diaper, or go to a Dr. appt. , or attend a school conference. Many days at the restaurant he hears " Hey you're Duncan's Dad!" or "Hi! Caroline's Daddy!". And he couldn't be more proud at those moments.





He is the first person I want to call when I get good news. And his face is the first I want to see when something bad happens.





He understands all my wacky, weird tendencies. Okay, he probably doesn't understand them but he puts up with them. He endured more interference from my family than one should ever have to. And he didn't even gripe about it for years. And when he did, he was kind and understanding. He even endures my strange love for Disney World. And he particpates in it. Even enjoys it. Oh how I love that man.





In all seriousness, he is the best man I have ever known. He has strong beliefs and lives according to those, the best he can. He values his wife and children in a way that is not so common these days. He believes in the value of hard work and he works harder than anyone I know. He understands what it means to "work your way up" because he did it. And he understands the importance of that. He knows that it's okay to be silly sometimes. And he gets my sense of humor. He makes an excellent chocolate martini. And he earns a good, honest living.





Eleven years ago we took a huge risk and said "I do". It was without a doubt the right choice. I couldn't be more thrilled to be his wife. The mother of his children. He is the love of my life.





Happy Anniversary Casey, I love you.