Thursday, September 13, 2012

20

I love the number 20. It is even and round and just a great number, especially today. Today, Keith and I have been married 20 years. Whew! In some ways, that is a LONG time, and in other ways, it seems so short. I feel like I have always been married, or at least I feel like my married life has been the most meaningful. We have had our share of bumps and victories, but ultimately, the Lord has been the glue, the duct tape and the substance that makes it all worthwhile.

Keith and I met at work in Maryland. He even remembers when I came in for the job interview with my hair in a bun, glasses on and briefcase in hand. I so wanted this job, since it was just down the road from my house. I had been commuting to Washington, D.C. for almost four years and I was anxious to work closer to home. We locked eyes a few times, but I never once thought, "future husband".

I did not believe in dating co-workers and I tried several times to explain this to Keith. I managed to convince him that we could not pursue a relationship, although it was very challenging. Keith would leave little notes on my desk (yes, I still have them) and he would continue to ask me out. I turned him down so many times, I figured he would give up. After nearly two years of this, I finally agreed to shoot pool with him, but only as friends. I made it very clear that we were not dating. We went roller skating, hiking, more games of pool and even out to a nice dinner. It didn't take long and I was sucked into his southern charm and manly cowboy boots. I knew he was coming down the hall by the sound of his boots.

I got to where my heart would flutter when I heard his boots and I knew things were going to be changing. I resisted the best I could, I promise. In as few words as possible, I am going to summarize our first twenty years together:

Chloe, my cat, and I drove to Louisiana, got married and within five months was surprised to be pregnant. Nine months after Chris's birth, another surprise pregnancy with Andrew. Twelve months after Andrew's birth, another shocker pregnancy with Michael. Deep breaths were enjoyed by all while we waited three years to have James. It felt like a whirlwind and I felt as if diapers and nursing bras would never go away.

We grieved some very important peoples' deaths, celebrated a few marriages and births and survived some very rocky roads along the way. God was good all along and we grew closer to Him and each other. We began dating each other again since we never really dated prior to getting married and we have been having lots of fun. The simple things delight us most. Coffee, shopping, hiking and just playing games together. Sometimes we just stay home and enjoy holding hands while on the couch.

I was chatting with a friend the other day and telling her how excited I was about our planned anniversary celebration. We will be staying at a B & B in Chattanooga in our favorite Art District. We go there often and sip coffee, walk the Riverwalk and sometimes get bread. My friend suggested we get bread and eat it in our bed. In a way, that does sound fun, but she was implying that the thrill is gone after twenty years. I wish I could explain it, but I will simply say that Keith still makes my heart flutter. He is my rock, my steady and my best friend.

UPDATE: We had a blast at the Bluffview Inn. We ate at The Back Inn and I thoroughly enjoyed the Icelandic Arctic Char! We walked the Walnut Street Bridge, had Rembrandt's coffee and some lovely chocolate dipped strawberries. The next morning we took a 20 mile bike ride and it was so fun! The used bikes we got last week have proven to be an excellent buy!! We exchanged heartfelt letters and I surprised Keith with a new wedding band. The one he had was showing its age. It had lost its luster, its design was rubbed off, and it looked like it had been through battle....

We enjoyed having an urban style anniversary celebration, but we are so thankful to live in the country. It was very noisy in the city!

Happy Anniversary, my beloved! The best is yet to come!