My Anniversary Is Coming Up!

I have known my husband most of my life. I met Dan when I was 13 years old. I was hanging out at the mall with friends, like many teens do, and he approached me and simply said "Hi, I'm Dan." No pick-up lines, no advances, just a hello. It was quite refreshing, actually! I didn't look my age, so I was so used to men hitting on me using the most awful lines, like "Hello, Miss. Can I use your butt as a hat?" True story. Dan was different. He was sincere, confident, and respectful.

We dated for about 6 months back then, but we were way too young, and eventually went our separate ways with no hard feelings. We actually remained friends for quite some time. We both went on to marry and subsequently divorce crazy people, and then we somehow through a twist of fate I like to call MySpace, he found me again. We have been inseparable ever since!

On April 5th, we will be celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary. I cannot believe how quickly the time has flown by! These past few years have been absolutely wonderful. We have welcomed two beautiful children to our family, and life could not be better. He is the most amazing father, even to his stepson, and the best husband a woman could ask for.

Because of Dan, I learned what a real man was, and how it feels to love and be loved in return. My husband is not the most outwardly romantic man. While he may not shower me with flowers by Interflora on a weekly basis, he shows his love in a million other ways. He changes diapers without being asked, has gotten up with the babies in the middle of the night more times than I can count, and he is always there to support me in any way I need. He has gone from being the "bad boy" with a questionable lifestyle to a dedicated family man who would give up anything for our happiness. I am truly blessed to have him.

So what are our plans for our anniversary? I don't have an answer to that, to be completely honest with you. With 3 kids in the house and a limited budget, chances are we will be spending the day at home. Maybe I will cook his favorite meal, Chicken Cordon Bleu. Or even better, perhaps he will get some take-out so I don't have to cook for once! Hey, you can make anything special with the addition of candles and wine, right? Maybe I will get really lucky and get a knock on the door from an Interflora flower delivery person presenting me with a gorgeous spray of roses. (Hey, a gal can dream right?)

Regardless of how our 4th wedding anniversary happens to be spent, I know it will be a great day. My husband is not only the love of my life, he is also my best friend. I believe that's the key to a successful marriage. You know the old adage, "Happiness is being married to your best friend"? It's absolutely, 100% true. I am so thankful to have another year together under our belts, and I look forward to many, many more.

---