year one

Whoever says the first year of marriage is hard probably knew exactly what they were talking about. I cannot judge. But I can say this, it wasn't true for us. 

Sure, things were hard. Finishing up graduate school for him, starting graduate school for me, working, stressing, endless amounts of sickness, losing loved ones. . . . the list could go on forever. The hospital visits, terrible medications, long nights, endless coughs, and high fevers about did us in. It was not easy and in some cases, the world was black and harsh and crushing. But when I am with Travis, I am whole. He talks to me, reminds me I am beautiful. Shows me the good in the world. Holds me so tight there is no way I can fall. Steps in and makes up for my absence when there's no way I can physically get out of bed. And I love him forever for it.

We've been adventurous & happy together. There have been road trips, camping trips, airplane rides, cruises, boating excursions, roller coasters, hikes and long walks. We have checked off several major activities and places off our bucket list between the five countries, 20+ flights, and 20,000+ miles on our car. There have been wonderful, spontaneous date nights, holidays with family, Disney days, nights spent on the beach, "just one more episode" Netflix evenings, expensive cheese and popcorn runs, and (more recently) Biscoff shakes. I've learned to cook a dish or too. I'm learning not to get frustrated my the myriad of messes my sweetie tends to make. He's learned...well...that I need to eat. End of story. 

We like to take drives, to look at houses or go up in the mountains. We like to take pictures. Goodness, our best purchase ever was our camera. Oh how I LOVE that thing. We like to explore new restaurants, splurge on sushi, make fun of my steak addiction, and stop by the mighty baker on Saturday mornings. I like forcing him to exercise with me. He likes trying to convince me to go test driving. He discovered my inner crazy cat lady and I discovered just how much he truly loves to go car shopping. 

We like to talk about our past, our future, and everything in between. I will never run out of things to say. Travis is the shoulder that I cry on and the first person I want to celebrate with! MY BEST FRIEND! My sweetie. 

I love you with all my heart, always and forever! 

I am hoping this next year is easier in a lot of ways but nothing has been hard with/about/concerning you. We knew each other well enough coming in to this that there weren't very many surprises. Heck, I'd already seen your butt (accident) so marriage has been more or less a walk in the park. Sometimes it is a scary park but I feel safe and hopeful holding your hand.

Happy (late) anniversary. I cannot wait to see what the future holds. 

-C