Thirty Years !?!

With thirty years of marriage under our belts, my wife and I have reached the stage where I cannot claim that it has been a short stretch. Even though in some ways it does not feel like a long time. The time is undeniable. We have been together way longer than we ever on our own! We have four adult children, and no teenagers left! We have daily conversations about how little sleep we got, but not due to babies waking us up. We just don’t sleep as much anymore. We have reached the stage where people claim we don’t look our age, and it is a compliment.

However, thirty years is an amazing place to be. I love my wife in a way I never could have ten or twenty years ago. Still in love, but comfortable and genuine. No pressure to be anything I am not, and I hope she feels the same freedom. It is amazing to have a best friend this way. By no means is that a small accomplishment. For anyone reading this who is not in our position, I don’t want to give the wrong impression. For those not married, I want you to understand. This is work. Sometimes very hard work. It is an exercise in synchronized, self-denial. Most importantly, though, it is worth it. I am so thankful to have Cheryl in my life. No. That is not worded quite right. I am so thankful to be us.