The Gift

On Friday while the rest of the world celebrated the wedding of William and Kate, we were celebrating our own wedding which happened 11 years ago. This was a very special anniversary for us. Eleven just feels big to me.

We celebrated with a cozy, slow dinner on Main Street in a place we had not eaten at before. My Sweet Hubby completely surprised me with a painting I have been admiring from a Village artist. We don't buy each other Anniversary gifts so I was quite stunned. The artist and my hubby both personalized the back knowing that this painting will be passed down in our family and it will be a lovely remembrance and celebration of the love we share.

Walking after dinner to our new home, I was awestruck at the reality of this life I am living. I want to memorize every detail and lock it away in my heart forever. While I will always cherish the painting of another little cottage, it is the gift of this life for the past 11 years and the years to come in our own little cottage that are the real gift.

So to my sweet husband, thank you for the many gifts you have given me over the years, love and grace and for always being on my side. Thank you for being my best friend and for giving me the kind of marriage that I thought only existed in novels. May the rest of our lives be as filled with love and appreciation as these first years. I love you with all my heart.