Three Years

Today Matt and I are celebrating our anniversary, three years to be exact.  It's weird, because in some ways it seems like yesterday that we got married and were celebrating with friends and family, but in other ways, it feels like we've been married forever.  I'm sure that sounds super cliche, but like many cliches, it rings fairly true.  Three years doesn't seem like a long time, but a lot has happened during that time.  Matt and I both wrapped up our doctoral coursework, left Texas, and moved to Chicago.  Matt completed his Ph.D and got a sweet job; I got a great internship, moved two hours away, and am less than one month away from finishing my Ph.D.  That seems like a lot for three years, especially when I think about how stable our lives have remained.

Last year on our anniversary, I used the word "adventure" to describe our second year of marriage.  And though I don't want the pressure of always having to "name" each year of our marriage, I can't help but enjoy the opportunity to reflect on this year, noting threads that ran through it.  So as I think about this past year for Matt and me, I can't help but notice how much the word "partnership" keeps surfacing in my brain.  Matt is truly my partner in life, and I think we both learned a great deal this year about truly working together.  We made some big life decisions, and through all the stress and uncertainty, I always knew Matt was there.  Steady and constant, offering support and encouragement, as we worked together to make things happen.  One of the best things about a partnership is having someone who can help balance you out when you need it, and this year, more than ever, I felt that balancing act happen.  I feel so very blessed to have such a wonderful and true partner in this life, someone who loves me for my good and bad, someone who helps me find my center when I get off balance.  Three years ago today, we started this journey together, and three years later, I still wonder what I did to deserve such an amazing blessing and an amazing partner.  Cheers to three years...and many more!

PS: If you want to see more wedding pictures, you can find those here.