30 Years

It's been a while since I've posted, but it's not for lack of thought. So many things flooding into my brain that sorting them out isn't always easy, nor a priority.

Jim and I clocked a major milestone in our life together. Thirty years of marriage ... it's mind-boggling.

I look at our wedding pictures and see two people who thought they had it figured out, had a plan. And now, I see two people who truly had no idea.

So many lessons this life has taught me. I see this young woman to my left and am amazed at where she is today.

Here are some of my lessons:

1) Love without commitment isn't strong enough to get you through.
2) Being a wife will test me like no other.
3) Being a wife has taught me to put someone else first.
4) I CAN live without him, I CHOOSE not to.
5) Being right isn't always what it's about.
6) Romance novels lie.
7) "Ugly" isn't just seeing each other without makeup.

8) There are no guarantees that the plan you start with is the one you end with.
9) Each day is a new day with new opportunities.
10) There's always a way to give just a little more, no matter how hard it is.
11) Never say never ... except for this one ... NEVER go to bed angry. Ever.
12) The power of touch can diffuse the darkest of days.
13) Starting over is easier with him. And in 30 years, we've started over many times.
14) Let him do the dishes ... even if they have to be rewashed before using.
15) Forgive. Forget. The first is easier than the second.
16) History does not have to repeat itself.
17) When the kids are gone, we are what's left.
18) It's OK to have separate interests.
19) Communication is critical.
20) Temptations happen (thanks Adam and Eve).

I could go on cuz 30 years is a ton of time together. And now we move on towards our 31st year as a married couple. Where will that journey take us?