Here’s a cool thing about marrying right (there are many, but here’s one): You get someone who helps make all your dreams come true…then they help you come up with new dreams.

I married right.

In our 25 years (come May 2024), I will have crossed off pretty much every item on my by-the-time-I’m-40 bucket list. This man of mine has not only managed to put up with my mess all this time, he has pushed me, all full of flaws and dysfunction, into achieving everything I set out to do in the first half of my life. 

He has encouraged and applauded, rescued and mopped tears, scolded and pushed.  He has planned and helped fund. He has heavy lifted and carried, loaded and unloaded. He has smiled in the background and pushed me out front.

He has never doubted, given up, or walked away. He has rarely, if ever said “no”, and he has never let me get by with feeling sorry for myself or whining.

I say all that to say…marry right, Kids. And if you’ve already married right, you best be sure you’re treating that man like the precious commodity he is!

I also say all that to say…it has been so fun! We have always dreamed, talked through possibilities, and set goals for ourselves and each other. I have supported his, he has supported mine, and we have accomplished so much together.

And I, finally, say all that to say…now we get to make new dreams for the second half of life! It’s not just my era of evolution…it’s his, too!

New work goals? Let’s go! New places to travel? Yes! New food to try? Please! New experiences? Can’t wait!

I’m fortunate, Y’all, and beyond grateful. This man is something else! He’s loving and good, smart and strong, silly and fun. He’s a force with a sense of humor and a big heart. He’s sarcastic and blunt, yet warm and eager to love. He’s gentle and kind.

I’m eager! I’m eager to hold his hand and walk into this era of new perspectives and fresh plans. I want to be his wife. I want to cook for him and laugh with him. I want to snuggle. I want to side eye him from across the room after an inside joke. I want to hear the sound of his voice and watch his blue eyes dance when he talks crap and intentionally tries to start trouble. I want to board planes together and see new sights. I want to go to sleep all intertwined and warm and wake up messy and puffy and smiley, ready for whatever a new day might bring.

There is no substitute for a good man. Not a soul could fill the shoes of this one, that’s for sure.  I’m grateful for him, and I’m looking forward to coming up with new dreams together and evolving together.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,