It’s kind of strange for me to comprehend that it’s already been 5 years since that sunny, brisk November day in Indiana when I promised forever to the love of my life. Today, I’m closer to 30 than I am to 20, my body has been changed from carrying and birthing the sweetest baby boy, and I have grown from both grief and joy. These 5 years have been happy, sad, easy, hard, joyful, exciting, scary, frustrating, wonderful and ultimately, better than I could have hoped for.

To a husband that is gracious when I don’t deserve it, who challenges me to growth and betterment, who cheers me on, tells me I’m beautiful, affirms me as a Mom, makes me laugh daily, and sacrifices so much to serve and bless me: thank you. Thank you for the arms you’ve wrapped around me to make me feel safe and cared for. The words you’ve gone out of your way to say because you know they mean something to me. The prayers you’ve spoken over me and Llewyn. The many tasks you take on so I don’t have to. The way you love and care for our son.

5 years ago I only had an idea of what I thought life could look like once we reached this point, and while in some ways it’s different than I would have guessed, it’s also so much more amazing and blessed. I can’t wait to see what this next year, and the next 5 after that, will hold. So glad we get to do all of the everydays together.

Happy Anniversary, Aaron. I love you.

Photo by Rebekah J Murray