19 Years and Counting...

Nineteen years ago today I married the love of my life. We met in college, and attribute our marriage partly to the wise words of my mother. I shared with her that I had met a guy at school and he had asked me out a few times. He was a student athlete, and I am not a sports fan. I was hesitant to agree to a date with him. I told my mother that he was probably just a "dumb jock". Very casually my mother suggested that I go on just one date with the guy. In her words "it is only one evening of your life. If he is a dumb jock or a jerk then don't go out with him again. Who knows what you could be missing out on". I swear it was God speaking right through the woman!

Mark claims he knew after just a few dates that we were destined to be together. We both graduated from college and he went on to play three years of professional baseball while I began working on my career. The day we were married we had not lived in the same state for 18 months. I lived alone, traveled for my job alone, and was quite independent. Mark had "lived" with an entire baseball team, traveled as a team, and was quite used to the life of an athlete. Needless to say there were some pretty significant transitions for the both of us once we married!

We settled in Indianapolis and got busy living life - working on our careers with future plans of children. Mark thought 2 children sounded fine while I dreamed of 3 or 4. Whatever the number of children we were blessed with we were going to have them when we were young and close together in age. Our master plan was to have them grown up and out of the house while we were still young. I was pretty intent on working hard and achieving titles and promotions. God must have enjoyed watching us script our "master plan" and had a few laughs at what was in store for our family.

It doesn't seem possible that we have been married for 19 years! My husband is one of the most generous people I know. He loves his family, he loves my family, he loves our family. He is my rock-solid steady ship. He is an amazing father. He is a great cook! He is dedicated to his career, and never complains or talks negatively about his co-workers. He is disciplined and self-motivated. He was right beside me holding my hand through two c-section deliveries and not one, not two, but three adoptions. Trust me, he deserves sainthood for those accomplishments alone! He tucks his children in bed, tells wild bedtime stories, takes his children fishing, hunting, golfing, an occasional shopping trip, and treats me to nights away to refuel. He takes us on great vacations and is always supportive of my multiple trips to Guatemala every year.

Nineteen years ago today Mark was playing golf with his buddies - an important way to prepare for a wedding. I was running around getting my hair and nails done and hoping all would come together. It was a beautiful fall day.

We have been blessed beyond anything we ever dreamed. We are surrounded by parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, grandparents, friends, and 5 incredible children who remind us daily the importance of love.

Here is to 19 years and a gazillion more. I love you honey!