Chapter 12

Chapter 11 closes in the archives of our marriage, and we start the writing on the pages of Chapter 12.  I've spent a lot of time reflecting. Several chapters now written behind in what feels like a flash. The perspective on the past chapters shifts and changes with time. The challenges we've faced don't feel quite as big through the lens of history. The happy moments taking a more prominent role in the memory bank. Our love has evolved and changed since Chapter 1 first began.  Passion and desire remain, But even better, our love is stronger, deeply rooted, maybe a bit softer around the edges than was there at the beginning. There's security and comfort. Not comfort that is a crutch, but comfort that allows our love to be vulnerable and true. 

Chapter 11 now written and part of history. It was a good chapter. Countless blessings poured out into our marriage and life. Continued renewal of our relationship. Love that could still grow deeper when it didn't seem like it could grow anymore. There were hard parts, moments of grief still hard to speak about.  Patience, Waiting, Victories, Defeats. Children, OUR children growing right before our eyes. Laughter and fun as a family. Challenging, exhausting moments where our imperfections shine. Savoring moments of peace and quiet together. Discovering that just being together in the quiet is far better than turning on the tv to kill the evening hours. Honesty, forgiveness. Growing and changing.

The start of Chapter 12. Feels so far from the beginning of the book. Yet, someday these pages will still form the beginning. Some say we are in the best days of our lives right now and I'd believe that, because it feels pretty sweet from where I stand. Our story is still in its youth. Thousands more pages and memories to be written. We get to share and create these memories together! Hopes, dreams, desires in the balance, what will come to fruition in Chapter 12? Somehow, when we think our love can't grow anymore, knowing that it will. Our book is a gift, no matter what has been written in the past, no matter what will be written ahead. We step forward into this new chapter hand in hand, ready to experience all it has!