By Darren Weeks
Today, I began a life-changing adventure. I made a promise to be faithful, and loyal. In the worst of times, as well as in the best, my promise was to stay the course, to be steadfast in my commitment.
In exchange for my promise, the vow was returned. And I received the most precious gift a man could ever be given in this world. My wife, Michelle, was given to me by her father.
It was today, that is, 10 years ago.
It has been a decade of ups and downs. There have been many obstacles along the way. There have been many seasons of change. There have been times of hardship, and times of ease. There have been moments of sorrow, and moments where "I'm sorry" were the words that had to be spoken. And there have been many more moments of joy and laughter.
As my mind's gaze falls back upon the past decade, I honestly cannot think of a single person with which I'd rather have spent the time. And even though we are different, I believe we were brought together by God. And it has been a true blessing for this man.
Along the way, we've twice shared the joy and trials of childbirth. The diapers, the late-night, and early morning feedings. The sleep deprivation. And later, the dreaded potty training.
As we watched our two miracles grow, so too, we grew. We grew together; our love grew stronger.
We felt the stress of my losing my job, and the relief when that era ended. We've tasted the American dream together, as we built our home, and our family.
There have been many milestones that we can remember. And now we share a milestone of great significance. A full decade of marriage. It has been 10 years, since we stood in the church and sang to each other — and promised each other that our love and commitment were forever. And looking back, knowing what I know now, I would do it all over again.
Michelle, you have enriched my life without measure. You have blessed me with stability, and encouraged me when needed. The days that I have shared with you on this earth, have been ones that have been the most fulfilling of my entire life.
It is my prayer, that I have enriched your life as much as you have mine.
And even though every bed of roses has its share of thorns, so too do all marriages bear their set of challenges and tests. Yet, we've been able to overcome them, with our hearts filled with love, and our minds with determination.
And as we live the short moments of this life, I couldn't imagine living it without you. You make my life complete. I thank God for you.
Someday, we will leave this planet. We'll pass from this earth into the next life, the next great adventure, the next realm that our Heavenly Father has planned for us.
But until then, I look forward to spending the next 10 years and beyond with you, my dear love. Happy Anniversary.
