Sweet Sixteen
Posted by Brad at 7:47am Saturday, May 10, 2008
Sixteen wonderful and amazing years. In some ways, it seems like only yesterday. In other ways, it seems like forever.
Yesterday, Karla and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary. Now, I have to admit that our celebration wasn’t quite as spectacular as one might expect for a “Sweet Sixteen” milestone. Before she left for work yesterday, Karla left me a gift and anniversary card where she knew I would find it — the bathroom. I had a plant with a “Happy Anniversary” mylar balloon to her workplace so she would hopefully feel a little extra special. In the evening, we went to a nice, upper-scale restaurant, Redrock Canyon Grill, that sits on the shore of Lake Hefner. We shared our date with our two pride-and-joys, Sarah and Ashley. (More about our dinner date, with more photos, in a later post.)
I heard it said once — and I can’t remember from whom — that marriage can either be heaven on earth or hell on earth. Well, I’ve seen both. Some of my friends and family have seen marriage be more like hell on earth. Other friends and family have marriages that are more like heaven on earth. And many seem to be stuck in a stale, dispassionate, obligatory relationship that’s not really hell on earth, but certainly doesn’t seem to be heaven on earth.
I can state unequivocally that my marriage with Karla has been and continues to be heaven on earth. I love her more now than when we first got married, and I loved her a lot then. Marriage has been more than I ever thought it could be. Yes, there have been tough times, but they only made our marriage and love for each other stronger. We each have seen the worst in each other and our commitment never wavered; in fact, the other’s unfailing love often helped us triumph over our weaknesses and overcome our “worst.”
Do we have a perfect marriage. Hardly. But we have a marriage I wouldn’t give up for the world. We are not only husband and wife, we are very best friends. I can’t imagine my life without her. I hope I never have to live it without her (although I know that in all likelihood, one of us will eventually face that inevitability). I cherish each day I’m with her. The sight of her — the mere thought of her — still brings a smile to my face and makes me all atwitter inside.
I love you, Karla, mon amour. Thank you for sixteen wonderful, amazing and memories-filled years. I look forward to each and every year ahead. Happy anniversary!
On May 10, 2008, Karla said:
I can’t believe it’s been so long, and yet feels like we’ve just begun! I love you so much! Thank you for being my best friend, for loving me, for being my sharpening iron, my rock, my love.
I can’t to see what is in store for the next 16 years!
On May 10, 2008, Brit' Gal Sarah said:
Awww you two are so sweet, Happy Anniversary guys
On May 12, 2008, Mom. said:
I can say for a fact as one who stood back watching and from whom had a vested interest in you relationship, watching you two grow deeper in your marriage has been a joy. I’ve never seen two people who could spend so much time together and still have a fondness for each other. Wishing you five times more time together than you have already had. We love you both. Mom and Dad.
On May 12, 2008, Pete said:
Trying out verveearth, just to see if I like it…not sure on that yet but…ended up on your wife’s blog through it and followed the link over to yours. As someone recently divorced, who’s been out in the dating world lately, mostly only hearing the horror stories, I just wanted to drop a line and say that I found both your blogs and the positive comments on your marriage very refreshing. Gives a fellow hope even
Congrats to you both and I hope you have many happy years ahead!
On May 13, 2008, Brad said:
Thanks, Karla! I love you!
Thanks, BritGal!
Thanks, Mom!
Thanks, Pete! I hope and pray that you can find that right someone who will make you as happy and fulfilled as my wife has for me!