Happy Anniversary: 10 Years

Dear Jere,

Here we are ten years later.  What's that saying, that time flies when you're having fun?   Clearly, it's been one heck of a ride...something that Canobie Lake or any other amusement park just can't offer.   It doesn't seem that long ago.  I knew from the beginning that you and I would be just plain awesome together.   From surprising me at college my last day as a Senior to finding out during our first dance together that you ran out at 7am on the morning of our wedding because you realized we forgot to purchase a unity candle.  A lot has changed since then.   To think it all started out with an allen wrench and an AOL instant messenger conversation.   Today we have two beautiful and awesome children with a third on the way. You have worked so hard for all 5 of us.  You made it possible for me to stay home those "6" weeks after Samantha was first born.   You made it possible for me to stay home after we found out about Sarah's health issues when she was an infant.   And, you've made it possible for me to stay home now.  I hope you know that it never goes unnoticed.  I'm so proud of you and what you've been able to accomplish.

Things I've learned from you in the last 10 years:

1. How to cook (other than mac and cheese)
2. You don't sit still.   Just stop asking to relax and eventually you will crash on the couch.
3. Plans change at the drop of a hat and sometimes you just have to just wing it, and just go with the flow (still working on that).
4. That the job doesn't just stop at the finish, and instead to raise the bar and carry it just a bit further.
5. Corn really isn't that bad (just in Shepherd's Pie though.  Still can't eat a cob)
6. How to bleed brakes at 11:00 pm
7. How to change a tire.
8. All sorts of car parts:  manifold covers and head gaskets.
9. How to not just look at the bad things as "crap" thrown at me and instead think of it as learning curves.
10. How to be a better person.
11. Follow a dream, no matter how crazy it sounds.
12. Give people a second chance.
13. Have faith in people.
14. It's ok to strive for better, but be content with what we're blessed with.
15. Be patient, and just leave it in God's hands.  (Still working on that too).
16. How to really rotate tires on a car...and pizza in the oven ;)

So as the great Al Green once said, "let's stay together."   (I know it's not one of your favorite songs, but always been a top 3 of mine).   God willing, I hope to have many more years together with you.   You truly make life worth living and have taught me to look for the smaller things.  Thank you for loving me and for putting up with my crazy self.  Thank you for making me feel worth it, even on the days when I have no hope for myself.  Thank you for being my best friend and always having my back...even during my crazy moments.  It's been a tremendous and a glorious ride with you <3 .="" font="">

Love, me

#besttenyearsever