May 18, 2005
Fourteen Years
Fourteen years ago this evening, the Wife became, well, my wife. She could have done better, though I don't think she knew it at the time. I've certainly given her cause for buyer's remorse. Talk about perseverance -- that seems to be the theme this week, no?
I remember her coming down the aisle, in the loveliest, classiest wedding dress I had ever seen, and have ever seen since. Her eyes sparkled, mostly because she was crying. This was touching at first, but it pretty much continued for the next two days, so perhaps it was a down payment of sorts, on all the hurt I would cause in the years to come.
But she came up to that altar, and she gave me her hand, and even though I had only an inkling of how undeserving I was I took it, and we were made one. She was so beautiful that day. Since then we've laughed, screamed, cried buckets, and often just . . . endured. Life hasn't been easy for her, for us; fourteen years can put a lot of scars on the soul. So I was amazed when I watched her sleeping this morning and realized, as if seeing her for the first time, what fourteen years has somehow become on her face, in her most unguarded of moments.
Somehow, despite the struggles, despite the worry and hurting and just plain working our way through the years, she is more beautiful today than when she walked down that aisle fourteen years ago, my angel in white.
Posted by Woodlief on May 18, 2005 at 02:17 PM
Tony, my bride and I will celebrate 28 years this Saturday -- exactly twice your 14! My advice (which you've already received from Caleb): Keep on keepin' on. You'll find, as I have, that she looks even better after another 14 years. Oh, and by the way, we just married off our oldest daughter two weeks ago. I haven't yet decided which of "my" brides is more lovely.
Posted by: Mark Lenz at May 18, 2005 2:50 PM
Posted by: John at May 18, 2005 2:58 PM
Happy Day! I remember the day well. Wow it was 14 years ago where does the time go? From my perch beside of you, you were a little weepy your self, and the elegence of the occation had others weeping as well.
The character and perserverance which you both have lived your life has been a inspiration of all those you include in your circle of friends.
I pray the Lord bless your special day. Give the wife my best, and take her out somewhere real special tonight!
Posted by: Gray at May 18, 2005 3:17 PM
I'm sure God knew what He was doing. Congratulations!
Posted by: Lenise at May 18, 2005 3:37 PM
Congratulations! Today is my anniversary, as well. My wife and I were married 15 years ago today, so we have an extra year on you.
Very nice post!
Posted by: Jim at May 18, 2005 4:19 PM
She's definitely a "keeper". Best wishes for many many more together years.
Posted by: Mary Ann at May 18, 2005 4:46 PM
Beautiful post Tony. Our anniversary is coming up next week and I really resonate with your comment on enduring through the years.
In contrast to the scene you describe, my wife never shed a tear during the ceremony, but I was a basket case the whole time.
Posted by: Dean at May 18, 2005 6:29 PM
What beautiful sentiments.
Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Christina at May 18, 2005 7:08 PM
Congratulations! You have much to celebrate.
A very popular day as we are celebrating our 9th anniversary today as well!
Posted by: Jennifer at May 18, 2005 8:38 PM
Happy, Happy Anniversary Tony and Celeste!!
Posted by: Danielle at May 18, 2005 9:38 PM
awww.
we have fourteen years too, the husband and I.
Mary Magdalene got a gift after all those seven devils got told to go away. :)
congratulations.
happy anniversary.
Posted by: MMM at May 19, 2005 12:12 AM
I'll add my congrats too. Having the Lord at the center of your marriage makes the other parts work so much better. And He has a good habit of blessing us real good!
Posted by: MarcV at May 19, 2005 2:01 PM
Best wishes for many more years together, Tony. It is an amazing thing to find someone you can fall more deeply in love with every day.
Posted by: Jordana at May 21, 2005 11:04 AM
2 days previous, my wife and I had our 13th. Congrats!
Posted by: cori schlegel at June 1, 2005 9:20 AM
