With This Ring

Growing up, I never daydreamed about my wedding day. I didn't care where I was proposed to or how he did it. For me, I just couldn't wait to have someone hold my hand through life's journey. I wanted someone who would be my best friend to the very end. When I met Bryan I knew I had found that person. My heart felt at home instantly and I didn't have to try to be someone I wasn't. More than that, I felt safe and my heart found peace.

Recently, I've been without my engagement ring. This year for our anniversary we're getting our rings engraved with Agape to remind us to love one each other unconditionally. At first it felt awkward without my sparkling ring that I so often gazed at in the light. My hand felt so plain with a simple band.

However, this simple band has shown me that this is what marriage is really like. Its not the flashy piece that everyone notices and gauks at, that shouts "I love yous" from rooftops. Its the simple times when no one is there and I'm happy to have someone to sit behind, watching Modern Family. It's the feeling when I'm in a crowded room feeling nervous then he turns and winks at me. It's the fighting that I hate but love that I have the freedom to fully feel anger and know we love each other more than the emotions we're feeling. It's my absolute favorite time of all, when I feel like I'm falling apart inside and I have no idea why, he takes my hand, sits me on his lap, holding me while I cry fiercely until the world is right again. I know he loves me when he wipes my tears away and tells me with my red puffy, snot invested face, how beautiful I am.

In those moments, I don't care what flashy thing the world has to offer or how many lists of stuff I think I want, I'm simply content, knowing that for the rest of my life my best friend will be there loving the best and the worst sides of me.

I believe Train puts it best "Marry me, today and everyday." We had a ceremony two years ago to make it official but I've been choosing to marry Bryan every day since May 4, 2007 when he held my hand for the first time. I've enjoyed every moment we've had together. I can't wait to see how we'll grow and develop our love even more over the years. I'm so blessed to have found him.

This is from the card Bryan gave me yesterday. I just had to share it.

Love isn't just hearts and flowers,
though sweet words have their place.
It's rainy days made sunny
by the bright smile on your face.
It's the little daily triumphs
I can't wait to share with you.
It's all the random rough spots
that we help each other through.

It's the way you accept me
my good points, faults, and all.
It's knowing you support me
and feeling ten feet tall.
It's wantint to be worthy
of the trust you put in me.
It's looking to the future
and liking what I see.
It's mornings in the kitchen.
It's cuddling up at night.

This love is the daily stuff
And we have it right.

If you would like to check out "Marry Me" by Train here's a link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ess2qlVHl6E