Ten years ago today, I sat at my parents’ kitchen table stuffing pretty little blue bags with personalized wine corks, and sealing them with an Irish toast:
May you have warm words on a cold evening,
a full moon on a dark night,
and the road downhill all the way to your door.
I was giddy with hope, anticipation, and love.
Within a couple days, I was walking by my dad’s side wearing a big white dress and a veil. It was time. It seemed as though every second the past six months — and many more before that — had been leading up to this perfect moment.
We said “I do”, glasses clinked, music played, memories sealed, and a marriage began.
We looked ahead to the endless possibilities. A house that would become a home. A dream that would become a family. A marriage that would stand the test of time.
The truth is, we have been blessed. When you look at the big picture, everything we hoped for — and more — is ours. But those dreams certainly weren’t a guarantee, and they weren’t easy to come by.
We haven’t always had warm words on cold evenings. No, we’ve been too hard on each other, on our kids — even on ourselves along the way. There have been some nights that were so dark, there wasn’t a star in the sky thanks to heart-breaking news on the other end of our phone line. And the downhill thing? Well, we’ve lost control and recklessly rolled to the bottom trying to gain our footing now and then.
But through it all, we’ve built a home, a family, a life. Our sweet little world is filled with laughter, music, admiration, and love. And that’s enough for me — 10 years later — to keep believing in that Irish toast. In love. In us.
This post was inspired by the novel Those We Love the Most by Lee Woodruff. This family’s secrets and deceptions come to surface after a tragic accident changes the family dynamic forever. Join From Left to Write on June 6th as we discuss Those We Love the Most. Starting Thursday, June 6th, you can also enter to win a live video chat with Lee Woodruff, so check out From Left to Right for details!
Disclosure: As a member of From Left to Write, I received a copy of the book as inspiration for this post.
Carrie @ poet in the pantry says
June 5, 2013 at 4:46 pmHappy anniversary! It may not have always been easy to get where you are, but you’re there and that’s something to celebrate! Congrats!
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 5, 2013 at 9:11 pmThanks, Carrie!
Heidi Calma says
June 5, 2013 at 6:36 pmThis really, really resonates with me. Especially as we are entering our fifth year of marriage and for some reason the stress of work, of kids, of life is really wearing us down, and we are struggling to find our footing that used to come so easily. I know we will regain our balance, but right now it is exhausting!
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 5, 2013 at 9:12 pmYes, Heidi, with three little ones around here, exhausting is a good description. Here’s to regaining your balance and holding on to what got you this far!
Pam says
June 5, 2013 at 7:41 pmHappy Anniversary to you two!!! Wishing you many many more with many more blessings to come.
It most certainly takes work….some days more than others, and it’s not always a 50/50 ‘job’ 🙂 i think it tends to go back and forth sometimes being a 60/40, sometimes even 80/20 and then swinging back to that ‘ideal’ 50/50! That said, as we approach our 41st on the 10th, the journey has been worth it and I’m happy we both hung in there for each other throughout the ups and downs!
Love your post…thanks for sharing! Here’s to both of you! Cheers!
Hugs, Pam
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 5, 2013 at 9:13 pmI love sharing an anniversary week with you guys! It’s a beautiful reminder of all we have to look forward to. Happy Anniversary to you two, as well! xo
Pam says
June 6, 2013 at 10:58 pmAwww…thanks Amy!
Simona says
June 5, 2013 at 8:29 pmHappy Anniversary!! Wishing you many more years of nothing but the best…xoxo
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 5, 2013 at 9:13 pmThanks so much, Simona!
Lisa - Hannemaniacs says
June 5, 2013 at 8:30 pmHappy anniversary! Beautiful, stunning post.
Amy, Using Our Words says
June 5, 2013 at 9:13 pmThank you, Lisa. I so appreciate both sentiments.
Janaki says
June 6, 2013 at 10:05 amTen years!! Congratulations, and the best wishes for another great ten years and more. I love the imagery of that Irish toast. My husband and I are coming up on our 20th anniversary this summer, and will celebrate it at our daughter’s wedding!! So, your post really touched home, as my heart and mind have been caught up in weddings recently!
Alicia S says
June 6, 2013 at 12:15 pmGood for you! I home you have 10 x 10 more years together! Love that toast!