my happily ever after....

Well anyone who reads this silly blog knows that I don't hold a lot back. I believe in TRUTH. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
And I can't help but get a little nostalgic this morning as I sit at the table and remember my life 16 years ago today. All of it.

I was 19. And scared to death. Oh sure, I was giddy excited too. I woke up at the horrific time of about 5 am and showered, loading all of my princess accessories into the back of my parent's vehicle. We were heading north, crossing the border. I was getting married.

Because not every marriage is a 'Cinderella Story', my parents were terrified. I had only known and dated Mr. Wonderful for a few months. They peppered me with questions of 'how much do you know him? have you prayed and fasted about this?' and when my stubborn 19 year old attitude would fight back, they'd recede their concerns, at least vocally. And the funny thing is, MY fears mirrored theirs! I just didn't tell them :) Now, before you get carried away thinking I didn't want to marry Nate...I'll correct you. He was nothing short of perfect in all our dating. And I loved him. But I can't even call those emotions I experienced 16 years ago 'love'.

In our faith we are given the opportunity for a Patriarchal Blessing. This is simply a blessing, offered from a specific individual who's been given the authority and privileged this calling. The blessing is different for every person. A Patriarchal blessing offers only some insight into your life, and promises of what happiness awaits a righteous life. Sometimes there is wisdom for trials we may face. Its directly a message from a loving Father to YOU. It can be very specific, or very general. Mine is the latter: its short. And one of the few tender messages within my blessing counsels my preparation in choosing a husband...the 'most important decision I will ever make in this lifetime.'
Despite my fears 16 years ago, I remember the day I prayed specifically to know if marrying Nate, so incredibly fast after we'd met, was truly as 'right' as I felt it was. And I remember the calm, happy feeling that immediately came. I remember the way I could just 'see' my life with Nate. And I knew. I knew that despite the jitters that were ravaging my insides...this was it!
I cannot express how many times I have been annoyed with myself for those fears long ago! Oh, man, was I blessed! These 16 years have indeed provided me an understanding of why selecting the right spouse is THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION I WOULD EVER MAKE.
Because of this choice, my children have a father. He expects much of them, but is the first one to rush to their support in any and all things they do. His enthusiasm and pure love spills over into everything he does, and my children are evidence of that. In a world where families struggle, my children know complete security. Its not something they can appreciate yet, or at least vocalize, but I recognize the strength of this blessing. My children are led: our church released a Proclamation about the importance of families many years ago. In it comes the counsel that fathers provide, preside and protect. How perfectly my husband does these things. He is forever trying to make sure our family is provided for, temporally and spiritually.
So many times in the last many years I have been told, even publicly, 'wow, you did good Julie'. How I know this!
16 years. I can't believe I'm old enough to claim that, but I'm so stinking proud to do it! I have the best husband. He has been my source of constant. I always know what to expect of him, how he'll react, what he'll do and say in any situation. Its a huge strength to know exactly what I'll be living with from day to day. He is kind, and has never even raised his voice at me. He supports me in everything I do...he tolerates my stubborn streak. He is loud. He values those things that matter the most to me.
I am eternally grateful this man is mine forever! There is no way I could have ever imagined our life together on this morning, 16 years ago. I was thinking in very immediate terms. But now, with a little experience under my belt, I am dreaming of what the next 16 will bring!
I am so incredibly grateful this morning for the answered prayer of a scared 19 year old girl. And for the incredible life I've been blessed with!
Happy Anniversary to me!