Anniversary

Today is my anniversary. I have been married to my awesome husband for 18 years now. I love him so much more than the day we got married. And I love him for so many things. We had only dated for about 5 months total when we got married. And we lived together (sorry mom) for about a month before we married. We have been through alot together. He allowed me to quit my job shortly after we were married because I hated it. And didn't expect me to get another one. Then, 6 months after we married, I found out I was pregnant. Derek was born on Sean's birthday (which is also Sean's mothers birthday). Then 3 months later Sean's grandfather died, and 3 months to the day, Sean's dad died. It was a rough year. Not only were we newly weds still, in my opinion, but to have all this happen so close together made life interesting. Sean went through a tough time dealing with all the deaths and all that that entails, but I also went through a tough time because I didn't really have a husband. The grief he went through was hard to watch. Things got better, and then we had Christopher 5 years and 5 days after Derek. Christopher's actual due date was the same as Derek's birthday. I could have had him on the same day because I was having a scheduled c-section, but I thought that 3 people in the same family on one birthday was enough. Having my second child was a hard adjustment. Derek and I lived by Sean's work schedule. (He worked at the Olive Garden) But Derek was going to start school soon, and now 2 kids was hard for me to function. But I finally got the hang of it and we made it. Sean started studying computers with a friend, and was able to get a job at Hastings Corporate office. Hanna was born almost 4 years after Christopher. Almost a year after having Hanna I got a job. Or rather it got me. I didn't go looking for it. I was approached about it and decided to take a job as a preschool teacher. And am still working there today. I lost my dad to heart problems almost 2 years ago. I am now looking to go back to school at almost 40, not exactly sure what I want to be, but I will figure it out when the time is right. But looking back over all these years, Sean and I have been through a lot together. There is more that I didn't right about, just because its more personal, but I am amazed how far we have come. I am so thankful that God put Sean in my life and we have chosen to make it work for a lifetime. I could not have made it without his support and love and understanding and forgiveness. I have had my moments in life that weren't easy for him to deal with, and vice versa, but I am so happy we have stuck it out together. I know that marriage is difficult, but wouldn't change a thing. All of this has made me who I am. I have made mistakes, and still will, but I just try harder every day. Ok, most days I try harder, some I just don't want to. Sean has supported me and the kids the whole time. We have struggled most of our married life, but we both wanted me to be a stay at home mom and were willing to make the sacrifices for this. Sean eventually went out on his own and we have finally been able to buy a house last year. God has blessed us in so many ways. Its amazing how He turns the bad into good. We still struggle, but I am getting used to it. Its just a part of life. But I don't want my life to ever be without Sean. He is my rock. He always helps me see that everything will be fine even when I am totally freaking out. And yes, that's one of my little secrets, I freak out. I love you so much Sean and thank you for always being there for me and the kids. Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!