1-11-11

January 11, 2011 marks 28 years since my sweetheart and I got married. Can you believe it's been that long? I can. Mortgages, babies, orthodontia, medical bills, car payments, family vacations, camping trips, gardening, remodeling, job change, births, deaths, many callings, grandchildren, temple trips, a missionary, a wedding, planting, harvesting, happy news, stress, struggle and lots and lots of LOVE. I don't think all those things could happen in less time.
We are no longer that young couple with the little children. We are now middle-aged grandparents. In fact, I can probably safely say that more than half my life is behind me. Of course if I live to be 100+, then not so.

Life is a great teacher. Sometimes things were difficult for us, especially financially. But, those struggles brought us closer as a couple. We can now enjoy a weekend away and not have to worry about how to pay for it or who is going to take care of the children. Our baby is 15! I think the key is to learn from life and not let it beat you down. I believe I've taken each experience in our marriage and learned something positive. The negative attitude can go out with the trash.

My big surprise was that in getting married, I thought I knew who my husband was. I saw this handsome young man and knew so much about him and loved him despite himself. I saw he had potential to become someone even greater. I never recognized that he would turn out to be someone as wonderful as he is. He's a marvelous provider, father and husband. His love for me is boundless. But, his love for others is also unending. He has a compassion that makes me realize that I've got much to learn. He doesn't judge people, he feels pity for their mistakes and wants to help them become better. I knew that he would serve our Heavenly Father is positions of leadership. I never dreamed he would one day lead the stake. I've had a few different times when I've watched him give a talk and seen the mantle upon him. Each of those times I've sat in awe as I recognized that that spiritual giant of a man is my sweetheart. He, of course, would probably disagree with my estimation.

I am blessed beyond measure to have the eternal companion that I've got. Twenty-eight years is such a short time compared to eternity, but then it has been a wonderful learning experience. I only hope for another 28!