Other people: “15 years! You guys don’t look old enough for that.”

We smile. “Yep, got married a year after graduating high school.”

“And you haven’t killed each other. yet?”

“Nope. Not yet.” We laugh.

“15 years is sure a long time.”

“Aww, it just feels like 15 minutes…” my husband says, “with my head held under water.”

 We read it on an email somewhere and now it’s my husband’s favorite joke. Sometimes he gets the timing right and people laugh. Sometimes he stumbles and they don’t get it and we laugh. 

Well, unfortunately, we’ve now reached that age where it seems getting married, being 19, just learning to live on our own really was 15 minutes ago. Now we face a daughter graduating and turning 18 in two months. And another daughter ready to begin high school. I’ve published two books and an anthology.

My husband doesn’t have a title or a career he loves, the kind that captures his imagination and creativity. However, he has always been a good provider and more importantly, the man who has stood beside me through our daughter’s cancer, my degenerative, progressive FA, multitudes of tragedy and daily laughter. So, no title, but he has created something very special. Something I will always be grateful for. A stable, close, loving family.

I wouldn’t be half the person I am without you.

It may sometimes feel like our heads are held under water, but I’ve been very happy for the past 15 years knowing that the bubbles above our heads were made by both of us. Together.

I love you, honey. Happy #15

Congratulations, baby girl! Four years ago today you finished a year and a half of chemo. One full day of treatment every single week. You did wonderfully then and you’re still going strong now! I am so proud of you.

Love,

Mom