Twenty Years

Twenty years. It feels like a lifetime ago.

Twenty years ago on August 8th, 1992, Eric and I entered into a pretty serious contract.

Seriously. Any ceremony that specifically mentions "sickness," "poverty," and "death" as potential outcomes and non-deal-breakers cannot be entered into lightly.

Before entering into this covenant, we agreed (out loud) that divorce was not an option.

And so we entered in, with eyes wide open and agreed that we would hang in there through pretty much any eventuality. And we've managed to keep our commitment for the past twenty years.

Love, we have both learned is a choice. We have been making that daily choice to love through all the great stuff and all the difficulties and it has paid off. Ours is a marriage we're both proud of.

Today we celebrate the twentieth wedding anniversary of the day we entered into our bindingly scary contract. August the 8th was the day the English man married the Cuban girl and buckled in for the roller coaster ride of his life.

He'll tell you now that as frightened as he was, he was willing. And now that commitment is paying of greater dividends. With the crystal clear hindsight that comes from looking back, Eric will tell you that marrying the Cuban girl was the best choice he ever made.

And just look at all the dividends that we have reaped:

Our family is growing (welcome, Stephanie!) and we couldn't be happier.

I say it often, but I think it's quite appropriate today: I lead a charmed life. I do. Thank you, Eric. I can't imagine anyone else I would choose to make the scary commitment to. You have changed my life for the better. And have loved me and the kids unconditionally. What a gift.

Happy Anniversary, Honey. I thank God every single day for the blessings you have brought to my life. I hope we get to enjoy twenty more.

*Charmed life? Why yes, it is. Thanks for noticing.* ;-)

"Veinte años no es nada." ~ Gardel

Photo credit danshalaby.com