Saturday, May 29, 2010

23 years ...

" ....for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."

On an incredibly hot and humid Saturday morning,in Upstate New York,23 years ago,Mark and I spoke these very words to each other.No way to know back then how much we would be tested on nearly all those scenarios.But here we are.Still standing and trying,each day, to remain true and faithful to every,single,solitary word.Has it been easy?Not always.But then again, who said it would be?Maybe back then, our young naive way of thinking,thought it would be,but life certainly has had a way of blowing that theory right out of the water.

I have been loved, for over 23 years,totally and completely unconditionally, by this husband of mine.In every sense of the word, unconditional.I am fully aware of my short comings,and trust me, there are many and Mark,has managed,on most days,to see right past them.And forgive them and in doing so, forgive me.I can count,on maybe one hand, the number of times Mark has raised his voice at me.In 23 years.On one hand.No lie.No exaggeration.Pretty amazing.He is my better half.The one who accepts me for who I am and more importantly,for who I am not.Mark would give me the world if he could.And just knowing he would,is all that truly matters.

23 years.6 beautiful children.One precious granddaughter.Our life is beautiful.Not always easy but always,always beautiful.

And just for some comedic relief,I thought I would show you what 23 years of marriage looks like.Courtesy of Jessica,on an evening when exhaustion won out.

35 comments:

The Boyds said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY YOU TWO!!!!

almcl said...

I died laughing at the pic!! Happy 23rd anniversary, mom & dad - kind of :)

Claudia said...

A very happy Anniversary for the two of you!
xo

Stephanie said...

OH HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!! You're a beautiful couple!!
Beautiful post Heather.

Makes me want to be nicer to Peter. You could have been writing about us.

The picture is adorable!!

Have a wonderful day!!

Love to all..

Anonymous said...

Happy and Blessed Happy Anniversary to 2 well deserving people. Hope you enjoyed your day!

Can totally relate to picture (and we only had 1 kid!!!)

Robyn from Otisco Lake

To Love Endlessly said...

Happy Anniversary! He's gonna love that you chose THAT picture. :-)

mandd3 said...

Happy Anniversary! Was it at least 8pm before you two zonked on the sofa? :)

Dana Janowicz said...

That's awesome. You guys AND the picture. Happy Anniversary!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. That pic is great - it is exactly what 23 years should look like. You may be exhausted, but you can tell that your love has held strong.

Kaden Epstein said...

You two seem a perfect match...congrats on 23 years...that is something pretty amazing...and LOVE the pic!

Mama Mason-Mann said...

Happy Anniversary! I love the picture! I can so relate! :) You guys are an inspiration, as always, in every way.

Kristen's mom said...

Happy Anniversary! I was hoping for a before and after picture. Maybe Jessica can work on that.

Lacey said...

Happy anniversary to my favorite couple. That picture is too cute!

My name is Sarah said...

This is Joyce. HAPPY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! Even in exhausted sleep you two are adorable. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. Wishing you many more years of wedded bliss:)

Rochelle said...

Happy 23rd anniversary and many more! Cracking up at the picture!

tish said...

hahahahah Awww... ADORABLE POST!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! :)

Googsmom said...

Great pic!!!!!

Happy Anniversary!!

Monica said...

Happy Anniversary!!!!

Jeana said...

Happy Anniversary. You have so much to show for 23 years together, such wonderful, beautiful children!

The VW's said...

Happy Anniversary! Love the picture!!! :) Hugs!!

Runningmama said...

Happy Anniversary!

Angi said...

Simply AMAZING !! A true inspiration.

Bea Braun said...

Congrats you guy and good job Jessica!

Denise said...

Happy Anniversary you guys!! You are a match made in heaven and the greatest parents ever. What a great team you make!! And how sweet that after all these years together, you can still snuggle on the couch!! Hope your dinner was wonderful!!

Reagan Leigh said...

Love, love, love that picture. Doesn't that just say it all!?!? Happy anniversary...hope you have a restful day!

Anonymous said...

What wonderful things you said about your hubby!
Happy Happy Anniversary!

Cheri said...

Oh I love that picture!!!!! Happy Anniversary! It would be so fun to see a wedding picture or two!;) I hope you had a fun weekend celebrating and reminiscing and hopefully a nap was worked into the plans, LOL ;)

just jean said...

Congratulations! Committment, forgiveness, humility, acceptance, love internixed with joy! Sounds like a perfect recipe for marriage and life!

Ivey's Mom said...

Happy anniversary.
We have one coming up at the end of June....and for the record that's about what we look like too.

We may make it out as far as Nevada or Utah in a few months....what's the likely hood you could meet me on a road trip?

Kisses For Noah said...

Happy Anniversary, my friend! LOVE the picture. Even in sleep, the two of you cuddled up says it all. <3

I'm originally from Buffalo ;) This is a shot in the dark, but do you by chance know the Pearson's? They lived in Camarillo for years and recently moved out of state. My parents met them back in NY in the 60's when my mom was in the hospital having one of my older siblings :) Like I said, it's a shot in the dark but it would be funny if you knew them ;)
Hugs to you!!!

Kele said...

Had to take the time to leave a comment here... I am not sure what your wedding photo's look like but I can bet anything that I would like this picture more than those. Wedding photos are indicitive of young people, with stars in their eyes and no clue what life and marriage really are about, sweet and innocent. This picture, sweet as well, but real... This is the loveliness and reality of real life marriage!

Love you both and Happy Belated Anniversary!

Tina said...

Happy Anniversary to the two of you, sorry I am so late. That is such a perfect picture, bliss and happiness comes with such total comfort with each other.

Hope you had a wonderful day, and pray for beautiful memories to be continued to be made. Hugs .)

Shelly Turpin said...

I absolutely LOVE that picture!

Melani said...

Happy Anniversary! I am late in reading and leaving comments...but I can see by the picture your love for one another is just awesome! How wonderful.

Victoria Strong said...

Happy anniversary and the picture is beautiful of you two cuddled together!!!