Deux Ans

During the past two years, we have traveled to new places. We have road-tripped and battled airport security. We have stayed in hotels, with relatives and on fold-out sofas. We have eaten in a restaurant where we were served by a member of the Cherry Poppin' Daddies. We have feasted on the best of junk food at In 'N' Out, Sonic (Sonic Burger, according to me) and the "famous" Mr. D's.

During the past two years, we have prepared meals for each other. We have shared old favorites, invented recipes, taken risks and enjoyed every moment.

During the past two years, we have learned about each other. We have taken in the basic facts of favorite color (not that mine was hard to discern), favorite drink at Starbucks (more difficult for him, as mine changes on a weekly basis) and salad preferences. We have learned the difficult things like how closely I hold to my family, friends and pets and how much he would like to return, someday, permanently to the Corral.

During the past two years, we have laughed, cried, and argued.

During the past two years, he has helped me learn that the fairy tale version of life I had envisioned for myself is nothing in comparison to the reality God has set aside for me.

During the past two years, I have been free to be my wacky self, never having to hide my tears or the insane things that make me laugh.

During the past two years, he has put up with the loudest cat on the planet and learned to love him and learned to treat his asthma.

During the past two years, we have gotten to be geeks together, playing and talking about video games.

During the past two years, he has been welcomed into my family, and I have begun the process of getting to know his.

During the past two years, we have met each other's friends and allowed them to become interwined with each other.

During the past two years, we have grown as Christians and adapted to the differences in our belief systems.

During the past two years, I have learned that there are some questions I just can't answer yet. I have learned that there are questions he can't ask.

During the past two years, I have learned that it's hard, but it's worth every moment.

During the past two years, I have learned to ask for help and to trust that the help given will in my best interest.

During the past two years, I have learned to trust.

During the past two years, I have learned that the first blush of love is nothing in comparison to a love that has blossomed and grown.

During the past two years, we have loved and been loved.

Here's to two wonderful years and many, many more.