Marriage is the Joining of 2 Imperfect Lives into 1 Perfect Union

Tomorrow is Jeff and my wedding anniversary ...17 years of wedded bliss! As I thank God for my marriage it causes me to think about all we've been thru ...we've been together for 21 years....it seems like a lifetime together, yet it feels like yesterday too. We have had our fair share of ups and downs...twists and turns, rollovers and crashes, long quiet drives on Bliss Lane enjoying the view. Today I read a relevant quote that I like "Marriage is the joining of 2 imperfect people into 1 perfect union." I know when we got married, Ihad fantasies of what I thought marred life would be like...I wasnt prepared for all the elbow grease a sweat equity it takes to make a healthy marriage work. There have been times when we've wanted to throw in the towel and I am sure I havent been a bowl of cherries to live with (Im just saying that to be
nice, I know it cant really be true...Im a peach!) and my husband hasnt always been either. But thats one of the great things about marriage...even on your worst days (Ive only had one) you have someone that will stick it out (if they are committed to their vows)and see past your faults and flaws.
They are the only person who really sees you for who you are with bad breath, critical comments and after you have barfed for the 3rd time from the flu. They are there to heal the hurts you have gone thru after a bad day and baggage you need to work thru from your past.
I use to think that Jeff was my other half...he use to call me his "better half" (of which I fullheartedly agree) but the reality is that if you dont have 2 whole people committed to giving up of themselves to put their needs before yours....not an easy thing if you are selfish (not me, I dont have that problem) every day, over look faults, be the first to seek forgiveness. If you are "half" a person you dont have what it takes to commit to the relationship and see it thru...its so funny that when you say "for better or for worse" you dreamily think it wont be "worse" and how "love will see you thru"...well honey love dont pay the rent or put milk in the fridge! The love we feel on our wedding day doesnt survive without dedication, faith in God and consistency to see it thru so that when those "worse" days come or those "sick" days come more than "health" days (in sickness and in health) Till death do you part is easy to vow but living with someone who is usually the opposite of you day in a day out for possibly 65 years (average) is quite a feat in todays society a rareity. It helps immensley if your mate is your best friend.
If you can laugh with your mate, you can last with your mate, especially on the worst of days. After 3 kids, a gazillion pets, in laws, places we've hung our hats, couches (that have been spilled on or mangled by our kids and pets), 2 brain tumors and many many sick days, Multiple Sclerosis, floods and thunderstorms, 10 million loads of laundry, 20 million trips to the gorcery store, and many a struggles and problems we've made it thru. I beleive that without Jeff I couldnt have made it thru the stuff Ive gone thru and I have to say there is no one on earth I would have rather gone thru that stuff with. Peace out!