Five Years Ago

Five years ago, off the coast of California, in a beautiful winery, I walked down a set of stairs to greet my father on a very hot, sunny day. He escorted me down a middle lane with rows of family, friends and loved ones, some who traveled hundreds of miles to witness this moment. I passed my mom, and grandparents, to approach the man I would marry. I remember my Dad could only kiss me and talk to me with his eyes, as he was caught in the emotions of the event. I was focused on getting down hundreds of stairs I had to go down and not fall!

Five years ago, I took the hands of the man I loved and in front of his family and mine, and God proclaimed my love, trust and devotion to him. It was one of the most amazing days of my life. I haven't looked back since. I surprised myself by not crying, something I can almost do on cue. I was at peace and with a proud heart, and no fear, proclaimed my lasting devotions to him.

Five years ago, I was a lighter, darker version of myself, closer to 25 than 30. I had no marks from a pregnancy or up and down weight loss. I had less gray hairs and fine lines. But I wouldn't trade it, well maybe the weight and gray hairs....

In our five years of marriage, we have owned three great houses. The first in Guthrie- a 1940-ish model that with help from friends we updated the landscaping and bathroom and Ella's room. Papa, put in a deadbolt in the back, mom and dad gave us these cool old wine barrels I had filled with flowers, Kyle's parents helped us arrange what little furniture we had and hang things on the wall. We bought our first furniture as a married couple, for that house, we seeded the side yard, installed a new mail box and had a cat for about a week. I repainted the porch swing and spent many hours swinging and dreaming. Kyle bought me a Christmas tree for the bay window and placed Christmas lights around that house for our second Christmas married. We brought Ella home from the hospital. It was a great first home.

The second house was in Leland, MS in a nice community, surrounded by great neighbors. We spent a lot of time walking the neighborhood or riding the golf cart. We made it a great home for the short time we were there, and grew together as parents. It wasn't always easy but it was a happy time.

Next and the most recent home is in South Dakota, we have made it a home for our growing daughter, and is the first new house we bought. We are putting down roots here and it feels good.

We have taken many trips, as a family of three, any many as a couple. Mexico, Vegas and California have been a few just the two of us. With Ella we went to the Gulf Shores, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and a few other places along the way. But we hope to take a few more trips in the future.

We have accomplished so much, had great jobs, friends and family to support us along the way.

We rarely see things the same way, but our end goal is the same. I am blessed to have this life. We are who we are, yes we have changed some, but have grown together and continue to stay true to each other. I look forward to the next 5 years and where it takes us. Thank you to all that have been there for us, listened, advised, supported and loved us.

Think I was sappy enough?