I have been blogging for almost 8 years, sharing intimate thoughts and experiences about myself, my healing journey [post-cancer], and the layered emotions experienced when parenting. My posts are carefully written to ensure that I maintain respect for myself, my family, my child, and my audience; and always with the perspective of how very grateful I am to be here, living it all, within the moment. Yet seldom do I write about marriage – more specifically – my marriage.
I have spent some time reflecting on why I have chosen, whether consciously or subconsciously, to exclude my husband and our marriage from my blog. It is because my marriage – my partnership with my husband – is my sanctity. Out of a deep respect for what we share I have kept it intimate and private from my blog.
Every good relationship is based on respect.
There are moments that I do wish to celebrate what I share with my husband (as can be read in my posts We’ll Always Have Paris, All You Need is Love, 25 Reasons Why I Love You, Here’s To Love); and there are moments I wish to celebrate him. For, through all the ups, the downs, and the many in-betweens, he has been there for me, for our son, and for our family. His quiet nature, kind heart, and snappy humour has carried me – us – through some of our darkest moments.
This man whom I share my life with is accomplished. He is creative, clever, witty, and intelligent. He is both fun and comfortable to be with. And though we have experienced some very challenging moments within our marriage, it is the sanctity of our marriage that has helped us through those moments. We believe in what we share, respect in what we share, and we nurture what we share. We recognize that to have the ability to invest in each other we must invest in ourselves. We provide each other with both support and encouragement to grow within ourselves so that we may grow as a couple, and ultimately, as a strong family unit.
A good marriage is one which allows for change and growth in the individuals and in the way they express their love. – Pearl S. Buck
Today marks 19 years that we have been together as a couple. Our journey began on Valentine’s Day. Sweet and simple. As I reflect on our relationship, I remain grateful that – no matter the hardships or heartaches – it has been him whom I have shared my journey with. My life continues to be enriched by his presence, and everyday, multiple times a day, he makes me laugh. He is more than my husband. He is my dearest friend, and it is our friendship that makes this marriage so wonderfully fun.
So, here’s to friendship, to love, to marriage, and to family. On this Valentine’s Day and always. xo
Here’s to Friendship … Here’s to Love. Published by Crystal Joy Hall
Featured Image by Jennifer Murray
No Comments