Nineteen years ago, a 23-year-old elementary school teacher married a Philly boy and moved away from her childhood home forever.
I barely resemble that girl today, and it’s not just because I had the good sense to grow out my bangs.
Being married grows you and tests you in ways that nothing else can. Over the past 19 years, I have discovered many things about myself and about partnering with someone for life. For instance.
- It is possible to experience raging anger one minute and passionate adoration the next — for the same person.
- It’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission; but I wouldn’t recommend taking that approach.
- Tent camping is a lot more fun than it sounds.
- I’m not as high maintenance as I thought I was. (Or at least, I wasn’t until age and gravity started to catch up with me.)
- My body is capable of carrying and sustaining a life, and then pushing a 7-pound bowling ball out of a 1-inch tunnel. Three times.
- Child rearing will put your marriage relationship to the test; always present a united front.
- It doesn’t get easier; it just gets different.
- If you want a hot shower, get up early.
- Parenting is not for the faint of heart. See #5. And #6. And #7. And for that matter, #8.
- There is nothing quite as endearing as seeing your spouse mirrored in your offspring.
- I can run 13.1 miles and live to tell about it.
- And you do, in fact, never forget how to ride a bike.
- Love is a verb.
- Choose your battles wisely. This goes for any relationship — marriages, kids, friendships, co-workers…
- Life is a lot easier when you choose to find the humor in the hard times.
- It’s true that what goes around comes around, so extend grace when at all possible.
- Never underestimate the value of having someone in your court at all times.
- Be good to each other because if you aren’t, someone else will be.
- For better or for worse isn’t as romantic as it sounds, but it’s worth the effort.
My life’s lessons haven’t always been the ones I expected and certainly weren’t the ones I would have chosen, but I wouldn’t I wouldn’t change who I am today for anything in the world, and there’s no one else I’d want to do this life with than this guy.
Oh, how sweet! Happy 19th anniversary! I love the photos and the wisdom! I couldn’t agree more- I hope you guys have a great celebration together! xoxo
Wishing you a Happy Anniversary and many happy years to come!
Congrats on 19 years!!! Love the pictures too, you look even more beautiful with age! Thanks for the tips, I’ve just learned more recently about grace and giving it freely, love that tip especially.
Happy Anniversary! We just celebrated 30 years. Don’t forget…you also need a sense of humor! It helps a lot!
Happy anniversary!
Happy Anniversary! What an accomplishment! I agree with your whole list and it’s all true for me as well, except it was a 9lb bowling ball through the one inch hole haha! Thankfully the last 2 were 7lbs averaged.
Enjoy your day with your #1!!
One of the reasons I love reading your blog is the parallels that I find between our lives. I can relate to much of what you say whether about your age, running, three kids, etc. Seeing this post made me smile as my husband and I just celebrated 19 years last week! Lol! Happy Anniversary to the two of you! Wonderful lessons learned. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Awww! Great advice and congrats on 19 years! I love seeing the old photos of you and your wedding photos! (scanned into your computer from real photos, I assume, like mine were?)
Mike and I hit #24 in July. Happy Anniversary and congratulations! Agree so very much with your advice. 🙂
Love love this post 🙂
Congrats! Your wisdom is amazing… thank you for sharing it with us.
Congrats! I enjoyed reading your list! AND, you may have inspired me to grow out my bangs!
Happy anniversary!!! wishing you many more years of happiness and thank you for sharing your insight!
Love hearing about people who are as in love now as they were when they walked down the aisle! Happy anniversary!
Happy Anniversary! Our 22nd is this Friday, August 8.
Happy Anniversary!
Blessings for many more!
What a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing and happy anniversary!
Wise words, my friend. Happy anniversary to you and your guy. You two have done well for yourselves; that’s a beautiful family!
That’s a great post and also very inspring JoLynne! Love it!
Love this post Jo-Lynne! So authentic! And so full of truth and hope! Congratulations to both of you!
Love Cathy
So my bangs don’t look good?
Just joking but thanks for the lovely post.
Happy, happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary, wishing you many more wonderful and blessed years ahead.