Nine Years of Marriage: A Tribute to My Husband

Our attempted selfie

Yesterday was my anniversary.  I've been married 9 years.   Nine. Straight. Years. To the same person.   To someone who is the opposite sex, (because God made it that way) to compliment my femininity.  Someone I didn't live with before I was married.  Someone I didn't do the things that only married people can (with God's permission) do.  Someone God brought into my life, when I was wasn't sure exactly which was the right path I should be taking.  I've been married 9 years to someone I said "I do" with, for better or for worse.  Someone I've spent both the special moments, hard times, uncertain and fearful of the future situations, and silly, laughable occasions. 

So to commemorate 9 successful years of marriage, I've chosen 9 reasons why I think this marriage has lasted.  You often ask why I don't post anything on Facebook-you know-about how great a husband I have, or how wonderful a carpenter you are when you make yet another piece of furniture we need in the house, etc.  Well, I'm not one to make a show and I'm sure you understand a little better now that (2) of our children are the same way-we really don't enjoy the spotlight.  If I'm going to post something for the whole world to see, I feel more comfortable informing, making the world a better place by what I have to say or share.


So, honey, this is for you-you get the spotlight, you get the fame.

But, its also a little bit for me-I get to share with everyone how great you are and hope that others will learn from you about what marriage and love and sacrifice really are.  


1. You have a passion and love for life

So often, I can take life too serious and I need you to help me smile, be spontaneous and joke around.  You look for the best in others and get to know know others so well, you give them a suitable nickname.  You can make light even in the most stressful of situations. You know how to make people laugh,  roll their eyes, ease awkward moments, or bring a little joy when there is complete sadness or devastation all around.  I remember the puppies you bought when your cousin died and the funny memories you shared about your grandpa when he passed to make everyone laugh.  And I'm sure your family can't deny, that you had a part in the starting over after both fires of the business.  

2. You have a generous and loving heart

One of the first things I remember you telling me after we met
is the Christmas gifts you were going to give your family members. You are always ready to give of your time and your talent.  If you're not mowing our lawn, your mowing the neighbors, Father's, or the Church's.  When someone needs your help, you are there even if the other party always has an excuse to never come to help you. You don't expect payback and in fact one time you said to me that you would rather have someone not return you a favor instead of you having an obligation of owing someone for something.  That's living the Gospel, and that's what I consider a REAL man! 


3. You're a Great Dad

Tessa dancing with Daddy

First, I love how you are open to life and try to figure out what God's plan for children are in our marriage.  I love to hear the kids say, "Dad, let's play."  And you can be sure to be found wrestling on the floor, playing ball, giving piggy back rides, dancing to the music, or helping build something.   

Joanna and Dad

4. You teach me to love and to be grateful 
I'm not a touchy, feel y person.  I often put up a wall that sometimes is hard to break down.  But you have taught me to open up, to surrender to what God has in store, that its ok to be afraid of getting hurt by someone you love, but to hope for the best in another person. You have taught me to be thankful for life's wonderful gifts.    

5. You always have a wink or a kiss, or tell me you love me, or that I'm beautiful. . . 
even when I know I'm not.  Like when I haven't had a chance to shower for days or I've been up all night with a sick kid.  You can see past all that.  Even when I'm not the most lovable person, you bring me flowers or wine, or another surprise for no reason at all.  

6. You are loyal

I can always count on your help.  Early on in our marriage when you helped in the classroom to now with situations with the kids or events that take place in our lives.  You always step in to help, even when you don't want to.  Even when you shouldn't be the main one helping me, and even when no one else will. 


I truly admire your loyalty to those who are meant to protect and honor you, but instead call you names, talk behind your back, say you don't work hard enough, assume things that may or may not happen or be true, blame you for their faults or when things aren't going smoothly.  Not too long ago someone said something about you in front of others that was completely rude and inappropriate.  It upset you, but that same person, without apologizing, texted you the very next morning, asking you for a favor. You left earlier than normal before work, to help them out.  I don't know if I could be so Christian to do the same.   

7.  You are a hard worker/provider for the family
I know that when you come home from work, you'd much rather sit in the recliner, take a nap or watch a show.  But, almost always, you have more work-taking care of the animals, the yard, the garden, helping me in the kitchen or with the kids.  Or, you are off to another job just to make ends meet.  And its not because you want more money or think we need more money, but it's truly for the sake of the family, so I can stay home with kids.


And those times you come home from work and give foot rubs-knowing you won't get one in return-I hate feet! 

8.  You put God first
Not only do you go to Mass every Sunday, but you make sure we give God His share.  When money is tight and we're not sure how we're going to make ends meet, you never skimp on tithing.  I know I've said several times, that maybe we could not give as much and try to make it up the next time, but your answer was always, "no."  I know you have been overwhelmed at times with life and our situation and not know where to turn, but you ALWAYS have trust in His plans for us and try to help me to see as well.  By putting God first, it makes it easier for you to make people and family more important than things, your wants and desires, and "your" time.  

Advent Prayer Time

9.  You are Genuine
In a world where there's unceasing drama and people are continually two-faced (two of my biggest pet peeves), you are honest with me.  You don't sugar coat anything.  You can point out my weaknesses, but my gifts and talents as well. You are quick to give compliments and suggestions of how to make things better or become a better person.    

Dominic wants to be just like Dad

It's been a really long time since I've written a post and I can't think of a better reason than this to post another one.  I couldn't have asked for a better spouse to help me reach Heaven!  Thank you and I love you!  

Thank you for the latest project that I was a little insistful about, which you had very little time to complete and probably spent too much time on something for me instead of working.  I love it-it's one of my favorites!  Thank you!!