I pulled out our wedding album this morning.
Took a picture on my phone, and sent it to one, two, three, four, fii....I stopped.
It was a habit for so many years,
I find I still do it sometimes....
Caleb.
There are times like this.
Send one text - send it to all five.
Only...well, you know.
It's our anniversary kids!
Remember that day?
It was a crazy, fun day.
Tears streamed down my face.
I couldn't help it.
Fifteen years ago we became a wonderful family with a good dad/husband.
God brought us together - neither of us was looking.
We dated for two years.
We all fit.
He had no children, my children had no dad.
We fell in love, and joined our hearts, our lives.
What a miracle!
That day was a fun day.
It was to be an outdoor wedding.
We decorated the trees with lights, had candles and white tablecloths on all the small tables...it was beautiful.
Then it started to rain, and rain and rain and rain.
Plan B.
We went inside the old Victorian home, and had our ceremony - moving tables and chairs so there was room for the guests.
Four boys, one girl, a single parent, and a single man.
It wasn't a big wedding.
It wasn't long.
But, it was special.
Everyone had a part.
After all, it wasn't only a marriage, it was joining together as a family.
Our song was, "Turn, Turn, Turn," by the Byrds.
Maybe that's why I cry.
To everything there is a season.
Some of our seasons have been very difficult.
I celebrate this day, and I celebrate my family.
I think of Caleb.
What a gift this new life was for him.
I'm so glad he had this season...
Those years the enemy had stolen, were restored.
He enjoyed having a good daddy.
Those two had a wonderful relationship, and made lots of memories together.
Life was safe, and secure.
There was no fear, no threats for his safety.
We all felt the same way.
We were thankful for this new life, this new season.
Yes, it's been a wonderful life.
I never dreamed I'd be looking back at the seasons of my child's life.
It's supposed to be the other way around....
But, it is where it is, and since I'm looking, I can say -
The memory of the day George and I got married, when we all became one family, is outstanding.
I can see Caleb with that big smile he always wore.
I miss that young man so much.
I look at the wedding pictures, and we are complete.
It was awesome.
I see my four boys running around wearing burgundy bow ties...looking so sharp, with smiles and twinkles in their eyes.
My beautiful daughter with her brothers....
I think to myself, we were all so innocent.
I'm glad, so glad for the memories of that day.
So glad we were all together.
So glad we built our lives together.
So glad for the love, laughter, and all the good times we've shared as a family.
We celebrate fifteen years of marriage - George and I.
Not only are we celebrating our marriage, but our family.
I am thankful for my wonderful husband, our five wonderful children, and all of our seasons together.
The children will always be a part of our celebration of marriage - we are all part of a blessed package.
I love you George.
I know - let's grow old together, and love each other as long as the wind blows and the grass grows.
