13 Years

Thirteen years ago today, I married my best friend.  We met at college, the very first week.  I was the outgoing California girl taking ID card pictures, and he was the shy southern boy who came thru my line.  We didn't meet again for 2 weeks, but when we sat next to each other in English class and I heard his southern drawl, I knew I would marry him someday.

It's been an amazing 13 years...even though we've had some bumps and struggles along the way.  Those struggles have taught me so much about God's goodness and grace.  In the past 5 years, my husband has had 3 brain tumors, 3 surgeries, and 6 weeks of radiation.  The first tumor was the size of a golf ball pressing on his optic nerve causing him to lose his vision and have horrible headaches.  Every 6 months is a check-up MRI, never knowing what that might bring, but God is always good even when the report isn't.  It's very likely he'll have more tumors, but for now, it's clear.  There may come a time when he has a tumor pop up that brings the worst news...cancer.  The doctor thought the 3rd one was cancer.  Those were dark days....I thought I would lose my best friend and end up raising my 2 little girls alone.  I smiled for him and for the kids, but wheeling him into surgery a 3rd time....it just crushed my heart.  Hours later the surgeon reported no cancer, just a benign tumor.  He would still have his 6 week recovery, but I still had him with me.

I really am thankful for the struggles.  I appreciate and love him so much more than I think I would have without those hard times.  Sometimes I feel like we're living on borrowed time, but isn't everyone?  No one really knows what's around the corner or what the day may bring.

I love so many things about him.  I love that he's big and super strong.  He gives the BEST bear hugs ever...I used to ask him to squeeze me as hard as he could and without even trying he'd squeeze so hard I almost couldn't breathe!  Then I would try and couldn't make him flinch!  I love that he is a faithful man, loyal to those he loves.  He's a wonderful Christian who loves the Lord more than anything else.  He invests himself each school year, trying to touch as many kids' lives as he can.  he's quiet and firm, but cares so much.  He's fun and and has a great sense of humor.  And he's such a fun, sweet daddy to our 2 girls, too, which makes me love him more.  He loves me and puts up with all my insanity :o)  The list could just go on and on.

Happy 13th Anniversary to my best friend!