Twelve!

Twelve years ago, 

we were young and in love.

And twelve years ago

our towels didn't have discolored bleach spots

or rips at each end

Our sheets were crisp and new

Without threadbare spots 

threatening holes at the slightest tug 

Our dishes were a complete 8-piece setting

Without chips and cracks and scrapes and marks

And not one piece had yet been surrendered to the trash can when dropped on the floor

And our silverware was shiny and new

And hadn't yet been "distressed" by the garbage disposal

And every piece was accounted for

 But today, place settings like these 

Tend to outnumber anything we had twelve years ago

 And we might look a bit more tattered and distressed ourselves.

But just like our much loved towels and sheets and dishes and silverware, 

We have a history.

This is our life.  It's comfortable.  It's wonderful and well-loved.

 Twelve years later, 

We're still in love.

In fact, I love you more today than I did back then, Gary.

I cannot imagine anyone better for me than you.

Thank you for sweeping me off of my feet all those years ago and creating this life with me that is so full with joy and love and fun... blessings for which I continually thank the Lord.  The joy and the pain, the celebrations and the sorrows... we were meant to experience them together.  Thanks for sticking with me and loving me through it all. 

Happy Anniversary, my love!