12 Wonderful Years (And Counting)

Saturday is a special day for my sweet Husband and myself. We're celebrating 12 years of marriage. It doesn't seem like that long, but it does seem like my life only began when he came into it.

Fifteen years ago, my life was miserable. I was in the lowest spot I'd ever been in, the most miserable a person could be. I was beaten down, stripped of my dignity, and deserted by all those who supposedly loved me (with the exception of my Mom). Everything that meant anything to me was torn from my life, my whole world was destroyed. Then God brought a wonderful friend into my life.

He was a true friend. He held my hand when I needed a non-threatening human touch. He forced me to eat when I was afraid to. He let me talk about my woes and provided comfort as best he could. He loved me unconditionally, even when I betrayed his trust. He saw to it that I went back to school and finished my education. He even asked his sister to allow me to stay at her house when I became homeless. He was there for me every day and defended me against my enemies. He taught me that I could rise above the situation I was in and that I could become so much more than anyone thought I could.

I gradually came to trust him and on April 16, 1992, I told him that I loved him for the first time. He said he'd fallen in love with me as well. We have now been together for 15 years, and although it's been hard at times, I wouldn't take anything for my relationship with Peter. He's the most wonderful, loving, giving and hardworking person I've ever known.

Thank you for being there for me, loving me and putting up with me for these 15 years. I'm looking forward to the next 50 with you, sweetheart. I love you. :)