Tomorrow my husband and I will be celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary. It's unbelievable to me that it's been that long! Actually, on the one hand it seems like the time has flown by; while on the other hand, when I stop to really think about everything that's happened, I realize that it is obvious it's been that long.

We've been through so much together. Some really great times, and some really bad times. Ya' know, life has a way of teaching us things the hard way when we're too blind/stubborn to learn them on our own. Suffice it to say that life has stepped in a few times and taught us things. There are so many, but if I had to narrow it down, I'd say the most important lessons we've learned are:

Defensiveness has no place in a marriage.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to feelings.

Love your partner the way they need to be loved, not the way you think they should be loved.

Forgiveness is the staple of any good relationship.

Attention to the small things is more important and meaningful than a gesture of huge proportions.

When you cannot understand what your partner is feeling or why, validate their right to feel it and support them anyway.

Those are just a few. As much as I regret some of the things I've done and some of the things we've been through, I'm also grateful for having experienced them. If we had not, we would not be who/where we are today. It was worth the growing pains it took to get here.

Remember a few days ago when I asked you what true love meant to you? I told you I would give you my opinion after I heard yours (which, by the way, were wonderful! thank you!). Well, this is how I feel about it. :)

And to my husband, best friend, confidant, ardent supporter and comic relief -- I love you with all my heart. Happy Anniversary!

What a lovely tribute! :)

Thoughtfully shared by: Dyanna at July 14, 2003 05:11 PM

again you have blown me away with your talent/gift! Kevin and I got married in 1976... a LONG time ago... but like yesterday... you grow, learn, cry, laugh, grieve, sleep, eat, raise good kids to be good adults... and you can't imagine ever being apart. The most painful time for us was the loss of our tiny baby girl... the hardest time, was after my operation, when I was living on the couch, no steps for 4 months... the best time is now... and tomorrow, and the tomorrows yet to come... "...more today than yesterday, but only half as much as tomorrow..."

Thoughtfully shared by: Beverly at July 14, 2003 06:23 PM

To a very special couple! "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY."
The words from your heart always make me smile, Leigh. I remember that poem! :)) BEAUTIFUL!!!

Thoughtfully shared by: Debbie at July 14, 2003 06:43 PM

What a beautiful entry. Your list of things you've learned fairly closely resembles mine after 19 years together. Must mean we're doing something right!

Happy Anniversary!

Thoughtfully shared by: Leslie at July 14, 2003 10:07 PM

Happy anniversary honey! :-)

Thoughtfully shared by: BeerMary at July 15, 2003 09:28 AM

Great poem, and happy anniversary to you both. In this day and age is hard to see happily married couples survive this long. I hope Patrick and I are one of those couples.

Thoughtfully shared by: Martie at July 15, 2003 12:14 PM

what a beautiful post, leigh! i hope you have a wonderfully happy anniversary. just wanted to stop by and let you know you're being thought of!

Thoughtfully shared by: nicole at July 15, 2003 05:06 PM

Happy Anniversary!

Thoughtfully shared by: LillyAnne at July 15, 2003 05:45 PM