Four Years Ago, Today

Four years ago today, Michelle and I wed. It was a beautiful day full of friends and family. Since that time we’ve met many new friends, experienced growth and pain and love and everything in between. We’ve purchased a home, sold a home, moved across the country, changed jobs, had parties and pretty much experienced a ton of life. And yet, that day seems like yesterday. I sat in the car, air-conditioning blasting (who would’ve known it was going to be so hot on Mt. Hood in late September), waiting for Michelle to get to the wedding. Little did I know, she was waiting for her mom who had been waiting for my mom (or something like that). But, to be truthful, I wasn’t even aware of my late bride. I was to busy trying to psyche myself out. No crying. I know myself and my emotions (thanks dad for the crying gene) and so I needed to make sure I didn’t let go. Didn’t cry. I had vows to say. Composure was key.

Finally Michelle showed up. The guitarist started playing and we began walking down the isle. Somewhere between walking down the isle and seeing Michelle in her dress for the first time, it kicked in. By “it”, I mean the crying gene. Uncontrollable. Thank God I was hydrated or I might have collapsed. As much as I tried to stop, I just couldn’t. It just kept coming (my groomsmen were crying too. Eli, Colin, Steve, Chris and Stephen don’t even try to say you weren’t. We’ve got you on film). But eventually we got through the ceremony. It was beautiful ceremony, and by the end, I stopped crying.

We took pictures as the guest made their way up to the lodge. Manny was working his magic, snapping away, and we were just basking in the moment, because, when you get married, that’s about all you can do. Take it all in. Bask in the moment. Moments come and go fast, so try to experience them in all their fullness, because before you know it, they’ll be gone.

Finished with pictures, we cruised up to the lodge. Party on. Food on. Kegs on. And a secret hard alcohol bar downstairs that someone had also set up (Dan) was on. Oh, my. It went off. It was a great party and in the end, Michelle and I didn’t want it to end. We wanted to throw another party just like it. But the wedding party did end, and our marriage began.

So, as anyone who knows me at all can attest to, unlike my wedding date, I’m always the one late our marriage. And just like always, I forgot to put a card out for Michelle this morning. Truthfully, I didn’t forget, I just couldn’t find the right card. They all seemed canned. Not real. Not big enough or small enough to express my true feelings. I couldn’t find anything that could do justice to the last four years with Michelle. It’s been a complicated journey. And we’ve both grown an immense amount. So here’s the message I would have put on card for her this morning if I would’ve found the right card.

Michelle, I love you. Happy anniversary. Let’s keep growing together and see were it takes us. And one more thing.

I do.