The Past 4 Years Have Been Quite The Journey

Today, Lisa and I are celebrating our 4 year wedding anniversary. We met almost 20 years ago. A year prior to our wedding, after over 10 years of being separated, we stood face to face at the airport. Older. Wiser. Vulnerable. Nervous. The universe had shifted. Did a lil’ shimmy shake. Fate stepped in. There we were.

The past 4 years have been quite the journey. We’ve had our ups and downs. We’ve had endless moments of uncontrollable laughter. We’ve held each other while grieving for loved ones who have passed away. We’ve had our battle of the wits. We’ve seen each other at our best, worst, and everything between. We’ve thrown cherry tomatoes at each other during dinner. We’ve danced on the porch at 4 in the morning because exhaustion makes us both silly. We’ve sat and listened to each other rant.

I’m thankful for that and so much more. Our 3 incredible fur-kids. Our wonderful home. Our neighbors who have become friends and family to us…our tribe. The memories we’ve made from hot air balloon rides and the best Halloween party last year to dippin’ and sippin’ in the pool. And, let’s not forget the Wabi Sabi mailbox…because we’re all unique and a lil’ crazy.

I've never published this photo from our wedding day. This was the scene 4 years ago shortly after our wedding ceremony. It was all held at my brother's house nestled in the White Mountains in NH. The theme of our wedding was Come As You Are. There was no need to dress up. No dress code. Wear shorts. Sandals. Whatever. My footwear was turquoise Crocs Flip Flops!

Our friends and family were a part of our special day. The beautiful lady, Tabatha, in the front with Lisa and I, dressed in black (my favorite color), is the one who married us...a woman I knew in high school!

Shortly after the photo, we fired up the grills, cracked open more bottles of wine, whipped drinks up in the blender, and had a backyard BBQ style reception. It was potluck style and the food brought and shared by all were old family recipe dishes and foods that symbolized various cultures and heritage. Our wedding cake and cupcakes were provided by my mother, Rose.

The tables were decorated with Wabi Sabi tablecloths. The centerpieces were antique mason jars we found deep in the woods, in a shack. The owner of the shack granted us permission to take what we wanted. The mason jars were filled with wildflower arrangements made by my mother-in-law and her friend.

We shared food, laughter, great conversation, drinks and, later in the day, Justin Jaymes, an exceptionally talented musician and singer, provided the entertainment on the enclosed porch. We danced our hearts out. Maxine, my gorgeous mother-in-law, took center stage. She had some dance in her!

During the late afternoon hours, the skies opened up and it poured. Some of us ran outside and danced in the rain. Oh, thank you Mother Nature for showing up. You were welcomed with open arms.

This was our day. I wouldn't trade it for the world. This photo makes me smile. It's also bittersweet as a few people in this photo are no longer with us. And, for some, life has taken us in different directions.

At the end of the day, I’m grateful that I’m married to such an incredible woman. My best friend. A woman who works hard for us and our family. A woman who makes sure that none of us goes without. A woman with the biggest heart and kindest of souls. I would say, “I do” a million times over and, in a million more lifetimes, I would choose her.