Seven. I’ll take Seventy Please.

June 2, 2001

Seven Years Ago. The day I became Mrs. A Southern Fairytale.
Do you know what I remember?
I remember Ten years ago walking by the San Marcos River in December with the Christmas Lights twinkling like diamonds in the black night and steam rising off the river, wearing your jacket, our breath clouding in the air before us. I remember holding your hand with butterflies in my stomach as you told me that you wanted it to be just us. Only us. Exclusively us.
I remember 1 1/2 years later sitting in my pajamas with a lime green cast on my left arm studying for finals, you in the recliner in a towel asking me to marry you and me thinking you were kidding, then realizing you were serious and failing my final the next day.
I remember walking down the aisle with my dad. Looking at you and thinking, “Yes”
I remember 1 1/2 years later sitting in a bathroom in our first house looking at those two pink lines and thinking, “holy shit”.
Me asking if you were ready to be a Daddy and your whole face lighting up.
I remember tears in your eyes when you found out it was a girl.
2 1/2 years later, I remember tears in your eyes when you found out it was a boy.
I remember love, laughter, tears, support, promise, possibilities, friendship, happiness, strength and faith.
I remember every single day the way I felt with that first kiss.
The kiss that made my heart stop, my toes curl and the butterflies in my stomach turn to dancing elephants.
I remember trying to chase you away and you refusing and fighting for me.
Thank you.
God gave you to me because you make me better. You make me feel beautiful, powerful, smart, strong, special and loved.

Seven years in the blink of an eye.
I can’t wait for 70.

I Do then, I Do Now, I Do Always.

You are my Prince Charming.
Rusted, Dented Armor and all.
You are my heart’s deepest wish and my little girl dreams come to life.
We are not perfect, but we are perfect for each other.
Thank you for your love, for your patience, for your laughter, your kindness, your understanding, your humor, your strength and your compassion.
I love you more now than I did then, but not nearly as much as I will tomorrow.
Forever and For Always.
Happy 7th Anniversary.
From your very blessed wife,

Rachel