The 6 years that felt like 6 months

Yesterday was our anniversary (!). Shawn mowed. We ran to Target, drooled during naps, attended a friend's birthday party. Don't worry-soon we'll celebrate real proper like!

Nonetheless, I made time to settle in and ponder our wedding day. Pay it respect, if you will.

Mindy 6 years ago--uh, I barely remember her. I look at photos from July 19th, '03, and wonder why I selected an odd, mauve-ish lipstick color and why I didn't blend my foundation better. My veil is pretty but borderline buoyant. Then I lock eyes on the man to my right--he illuminates the photo more brilliantly than the Northern Lights radiate the Alaskan heavenlies...He's kissing my shoulder. Woah.

I felt beautiful. Even if the now Mindy would choose different flowers and reception decor, I'd never choose a different man to marry.

What matters, what really sticks and lasts, is that he was there. And we're still going. Six years, an expanse of experiences ranging from graduating college to buying a fixer-upper, and one perfect baby later, we are both present.

Oh, how I love, how I want the present.

Babe-thank you for uncovering the beauty I had yet, but needed to, embrace in myself. For giving me courage to permit myself to want--to breathe in and out fully, to like all of me. And for revealing that it's okay to face those places thirsting for healing because my heart and life are worth it. I try. And I do so with vigor knowing you'll catch me when I flounder. Even if we stumble, I'd rather careen down a hill with you than alone. A tumbling, tangling mess of legs & stinky morning breath.

You are my music.

~