A little over 14 years ago, I walked into a PolySci class while I was at UCLA that would change the course of my life. I’m guessing I chose the class because it seemed like a pretty easy way to check off an overdue prerequisite (after all, Communications was my thing…not Politics), but I ended up learning more than I ever imagined possible.
Perhaps it was because I found a subject matter I was completely surprised to be interested in, but that quarter I opened my mind. And it paid off. I learned to talk freely, and listen openly. I learned to debate, and gained confidence in my personal beliefs. I learned that perfection is in the eye of the beholder. I learned how to laugh with someone, and at myself. I learned that some of the best dancing isn’t choreographed. I learned to love unconditionally—not just someone else, but myself. I learned that, in many ways, dreaming keeps you grounded as you dive into an unknown future.
Honestly, I’ve long forgotten what the class was all about. But I can’t forget the hours that I spent with my lab partner, Lenny, talking about everything from Thursday night parties to cancer to sports to heartbreak—and everything in between. I distinctly remember thinking I wanted to marry someone just like him.
Eight years ago today, I did one better. I married him. And as the years bring us our fair share of celebrations and challenges, I always look back with fondness to those days on Perloff Lawn (where Lenny later proposed). Over the course of time, we formed a deep friendship—a true bond and mutual respect that’s been the foundation for our marriage.
Today, we’re on opposite coasts and have a 3-week-old baby, so we’re not celebrating with a romantic getaway like years past. But you can be sure that tonight I’ll be raising a glass to my husband. I’ll be thinking back to our perfectly imperfect wedding day and smiling. Then I’ll kiss our three kids goodnight and know that, even when Lenny is working hard in some other time zone, there’s a wonderful piece of him here with me.
And this family is exactly the dream we dreamed all those years ago. One that’s kept us grounded, and full of hope for what’s to come.
Happy Anniversary, Lenny! I love you and all that we are together (even when we’re apart!).
Update: The day after I wrote this, I saw a tweet from my fellow Shine Parenting Guru, Mommyfriend, about a blog collective she’s hosting. I shared this on her June Project Marriage Challenge. Check out other people’s stories and share yours too.
Photo of UCLA’s Perloff Lawn from Flickr by c3pomeara.
Sam King says
June 7, 2011 at 1:08 pmHappy Anniversary! What a sweet tribute to a long-lasted love!
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 7, 2011 at 7:55 pmThanks, Sam! It’s always fun to think back on the good ol’ days.
Jenny says
June 7, 2011 at 1:22 pmHappy Anniversary! You guys are SO SO cute.
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 7, 2011 at 7:55 pmHa, thanks, Jenny. We try, but it’s not always so cute around here.
Cathi Fortner says
June 7, 2011 at 1:24 pmI remember how cute you guys were together back then – and if it’s true that things get better with age, you guys must be disgustingly adorable now 🙂 Congratulations!!
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 7, 2011 at 7:56 pmWell, I’m afraid we’re not, but we like to think our kids are disgustingly adorable. Thanks for the sweet thoughts, Cathi!
Donella says
June 7, 2011 at 1:27 pmAww, great read! Congrats to you love birds! =)
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 7, 2011 at 7:56 pmThanks so much, D!
Amy Nelson says
June 7, 2011 at 1:28 pmHappy Anniversary!!
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 7, 2011 at 7:57 pmThanks, Amy!
Colleen says
June 7, 2011 at 2:13 pmSob! What a sweet story. Happy Anniversary!
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 7, 2011 at 7:58 pmThanks, Colleen! Of course you were part of a lot of those fond memories from early on. Amazing how far we’ve come!
Brian "lil brother" Sneed says
June 7, 2011 at 3:01 pmHappy Anniversary!!! You are such an amazing and talented writer, this was a touching story. I love you and will talk to you soon.
Love,
B
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 7, 2011 at 7:59 pmLove you too, man. Thanks for the sweet words!
Linda says
June 7, 2011 at 5:31 pmHappy Anniversary to a wonderful couple in a wonderful family!!
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 7, 2011 at 7:59 pmThanks, Linda!
Carolina says
June 7, 2011 at 7:35 pmWhat a sweet story :), Happy Anniversary!
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 7, 2011 at 8:01 pmIt was very happy thanks to you. We all loved the delicious dinner and it was a fun way to enjoy my evening with the kids. Thanks so much for making us a very special anniversary meal (meals, actually…can’t wait for more tomorrow)!
Carpool Goddess says
June 7, 2011 at 8:12 pmHappy Anniversary! Sweet story 🙂
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 7, 2011 at 10:09 pmThanks, my friend!
Pam Callahan says
June 7, 2011 at 10:25 pmHappy Anniversary! What a beautiful story….’lil brother’ Brian is right…you are a very talented writer, Amy! Always love reading your posts :-). Cheers to you both and to your lovely family! Rob & I are celebrating 39 yrs this Fri 🙂 how time flies 🙂
Amy says
June 8, 2011 at 9:17 amHappy Anniversary to you guys as well! What a wonderful life you’ve built together through the years. Sending love!
Julia says
June 8, 2011 at 9:22 amWhat a beautiful tribute to a beautiful union! Love you guys!!! Happy Anniversary!!
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 8, 2011 at 9:08 pmThanks so much, Julia!
Brittany says
June 8, 2011 at 11:29 amHappy Anniversary to you both!! What an amazing life and love you have. Continue to grow your family and love and most of all remember its progress not perfection in life.
xoxoxo Brittany
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 8, 2011 at 9:09 pmI love it. Thanks, Brit!
OpinionsToGo says
June 8, 2011 at 7:04 pmHappy Anniversary! What a lovely post! How refreshing to see
a couple who genuinely know what is important in life and embrace it all with humor and a deep love and respect for one another.
You are really one terrific writer!
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 8, 2011 at 9:10 pmThanks, Joanne. We certainly try…some days are easier than others, of course!
Alison@Mama Wants This says
June 8, 2011 at 10:46 pmHappy Anniversary! Love your story 🙂
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 13, 2011 at 7:05 pmThanks so much, Alison!
Tina @ Life Without Pink says
June 9, 2011 at 4:44 amGreat story and Happy Anniversary! Thanks for linking up to us, loved reading your post! #projectmarriage
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 13, 2011 at 7:06 pmThanks, Tina. I look forward to reading other #projectmarriage posts!
Kari Bjork says
June 11, 2011 at 12:09 pmWhat a great love story. Happy Anniversary!
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 13, 2011 at 7:07 pmThanks, Kari. I hope you and your sweet family are loving being a foursome now!