Jenna,
Wow. Ten years. A decade. On one hand it seems like we met, blinked, and here we are. On the other hand it feels like we’ve lived a thousand lifetimes crammed into my little life. At least the part of my life that makes sense.
I don’t feel this old. Not in my soul. My ankles and knees feel old. Not my soul though. I think back on the past 10 years and the incredible moments we shared. Some joyful, some terrifying, and some that truly changed who we are. I don’t feel old because in a way life only started ten years ago. Life before was different. It was awesome in its own way but different. Not full of wonder. Most certainly not as fulfilling.
People say marriage is hard. I disagree. Marriage isn’t hard; life is hard. Life is full of ups, downs, congratulations, and condolences. This applies whether you are married or not. Marriage doesn’t create these things in itself, but what it does is lay the foundation for what life throws at you. If your marriage isn’t solid, you have nothing to stand on when life smacks you in the head. If your marriage is empty then life’s triumphs are hollow and meaningless.
You have given me everything. I can face the tribulations of life without fear and I can face the triumphs of life with purpose. I don’t deserve you; I never have, but I’m not letting go. Not after ten years. Not after a hundred.
Ten years. A blink and a lifetime.
Thank you.
All my love,
Chad
