Happy Anniversary to my husband!

Bob - 31 years - 8 cities - 8 churches - 8 children -

many pregnancies, many strollers, many diapers -

many cars, many houses, many meals -

many boys, many pancakes, many birthdays -

many songs, many sports, many miles -

many school days, many books, many field trips -

many people, many challenges, many hopes -

many hurts, many tears, many sorrows -

many trials, many hurdles, many questions -

even now,

but many hair bows, many blessings -

many knicknames -

many smiles - many laughs - many thanks -

many years with the person I chose to grow old with -

to cry with - to laugh with - to learn with -

to grow with - to parent with - to just do life with.

I am glad I chose you. I celebrate who are you - who you have been to me - who you are to our children - who God is in you - I love you and am so grateful to be able to walk another day with you by my side -  There are many views about relationships today, many misunderstandings, many expectations, many broken hearts - but I have learned so much from you in marriage, as I consider this verse: "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."  You are that kind of man - one who lays down his life daily for me, for our children, for anyone. I like how The Message says, "This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line...." That is you - unselfish, so kind, and so full of God’s unconditional love. It may not sound romantic, but how could anyone want more in the person she loves and marries?

Thank you. Happy 31^st Anniversary. I love you, Joy
est. October 14, 1978