It’s the little things that make a marriage

When I think over the 13 years we’ve been married, and the 19 that we’ve been together, there are so many moments to remember.  Some were life changing and perspective altering – the births of our children, deaths of beloved family members, new homes, car wrecks, new jobs and personal tragedies.  Those things tested the strength of our commitment to one another and twisted our views in unexpected ways. I’ve come to realize, though, that it’s the little things that have really cemented our marriage.  It’s the little things that happen quietly, day-by-day, with no fanfare or big announcement, which has really made this relationship into the foundation of our family that it is.

So today, on our wedding anniversary, I want to thank my husband for the little things.

Thank you for stopping to get a gallon of milk on the way home from work so I don’t have to drag all the kids to the grocery store.

Thank you for changing the lightbulbs when they go out.

Thank you for listening when I verbally redesign the office, and even offering an opinion every now and then. And thank you for not getting annoyed when I finally do redesign the office and completely disregard your opinions.

Thank you for playing ninja with the children.

Thank you for sweeping the front path so I can go get the mail barefoot without stepping on pine needles.

Thank you for cooking almost every night with a smile on your face.

Thank you for always buying my favorite bottle of wine.

Thank you for making my coffee every morning.

Thank you for distracting the kids when I just can’t do it anymore.

Thank you for giving me a hug and kiss every morning before you leave and every evening when you get home.

Thank you for rubbing my neck when it hurts and getting me Tylenol when I have a headache.

Thank you for praying for our family.

Thank you for watching baseball on mute.

Thank you for learning to put the girls’ hair in a ponytail.

Thank you for always ending our phone conversations with “I love you.”

Thank you for never suggesting we do a puzzle together again.

Thank you for knowing when I don’t want to talk, and for talking when I need you to.

Thank you for playing games with me sometimes, even though I know you hate them.

Thank you for always saying you think I look hot in yoga pants.

Thank you for getting up with the kids when they have a nightmare.

Thank you for letting us lean on you for strength, even when you’re feeling pressured from all sides.

Thank you for all of the little things you do.  The things that are hard to see but are keenly felt.  I can’t imagine life without you, and I’m looking forward to the rest of our story.