old dogs, new tricks.
I have to warn you: I’ve been feeling a little sappy lately.
I’m not sure if it’s my recent milestone wedding anniversary (15 years – woot!) or that our special little lady will be starting kindergarten in a couple of weeks (sniff!) but, you’ve been warned.
Also, I’ve received some really nice comments on my blog lately about my marriage and my family. Thank you. Sincerely. I have been so touched by this and the truth is, we are a really happy family.
But the other side of that truth is that it hasn’t always been that way, and it certainly isn’t rainbows and unicorns every day. But honestly, do you want or need to hear about how much it drives John crazy that I am constantly losing things (mostly his things) or that finding his toenail clippings anywhere but the garbage is enough to send me straight over the edge?
I didn’t think so.
So, the deal is, John and I have been together for 20 years. I know, right? Crazy.
We got together just two weeks after high school. Between the ages of 17 and 37, a lot of growing – and changing – happened. We moved, we went to college, we moved, we started our careers, we moved, we grew into new jobs, we bought a house, we traveled, we had a baby.
And before we knew it, nearly 20 years had passed.
That’s a lot of time for old dogs to develop a lot of habits. Some good, and some not so good.
It’s also a lot of time to get comfortable in our ways. It’s a long road that sometimes winds together and sometimes winds apart.
Let’s be honest. This is hard work. Sometimes, it is really hard.
I think it’s human nature to question at times if this is all worth it. If this work is worth doing.
Sometimes it is. And sometimes it isn’t.
The fact is, John and I consider ourselves lucky to have the life together that we do. Every single night when I lay my head on my pillow I say, thank you for this life.
But also? We worked our asses off for it. We literally looked at each other one day and decided it was worth it. We were worth it. This thing we have was worth it.
I can’t speak for anyone else because I know that our reality is just that – ours.
But I do know this: the best new trick these old dogs have learned is “STAY”.
See? I told you I was feeling sappy.
What’s something that drives you crazy? I’d love to hear from you!
I love how you ended this … “Stay”. A good marriage certainly does not escape some hard work. Michael is in school (again – a whole dift story) , I am launching my 2nd career as a consultant, we moved, we have a toddler and another on the way. It is not easy all the time, but it isn’t hard all the time either
For whatever it’s worth…I happen to be very proud of all you are doing with your life and with your family! You are just such a great person – kinda like my girl. :0)
So true, Julie. Thank you for being such a wonderful supporter – and just so wonderful in general! Love you!
It’s so good to see you two so happy and working thru things that happen in almost every relationship. I’ve watched so many relationships come and go and for some reason it seems that the ones that get to the brink and make the decision to stay and work it out have a better than ever life. Hmmm, maybe I should have thought of that 30 + yrs ago! xoxo
Thank you so much, Mom. We love you! xoxoxo
You are so amazing. I am fortunate to have you and John as friends. I can’t wait to experience the next 15 with you guys. Oh, yeah, did I mention you can’t get rid of me?
Oh girl, the feeling is mutual. Get rid of you? Hello, not a chance. You are stuck with us AND our crazy ways. Deal. xoxoxoxoxo
What she said! xoxo