Today my husband, Chris, and I celebrate 15 years of marriage (22 years together total!), a feat I am quite proud of. Our marriage is not without the normal stresses and pressures that most married couples go through in everyday life, yet time has brought us closer. I feel more bonded to this man than ever. I feel that when someone gives you the gift of sharing their one and only go-round in this life with you, it is both a true honor and a leap of faith. I meant every word I said when we made promises to each other and exchanged vows on the beach at sunset that evening in 1999…but how could I fully know? How could I know exactly what those words meant? Now, after experiencing 15 years of raising a child together, buying homes togethers, moving from one part of the country to another (several times), changing jobs together, graduating from undergraduate and graduate school together, laughing and crying together, struggling to balance finances, taking trips together, celebrating all of life’s accomplishments together and supporting each other through life’s disappointments, I know. I know what it means to have a true partner in this life. Someone who “gets” me. Who has seen me at my lowest moments and still loves and respects me despite it (and because of it) and knows in return that I feel the same way. I treasure our life together so far and celebrate the wonderful years I know are coming.

Photo courtesy of Heather Feraro Photography