And then real life began. No one, especially Hollywood, prepares you for real marriage. It's not all roses and romance and happily ever after. It's taking out the trash, paying the bills, having NOwhere to go when you have your first fight. (Oh, this is YOUR bedroom too, isn't it? Fine, come in. Just remember, I'm mad. REALLY mad!) Unfortunately, I think too many brides get all caught up in ONE day, instead of all the others that follow. You forget that marriage isn't a big white dress and a cake covered in buttercream. One day, you finally realize that life isn't the movies; it's not some Hollywood script where every dream comes true. But that's only because other dreams that you didn't even know you had HAVE. You have this house with sippy cups in the fridge, a handprint-smudged hallway that you refuse to paint AGAIN, and a pantry full of fruit snacks and Goldfish. It's the most romantic setting in the world--HOME. And you have something way better than roses. You have this guy who cooks breakfast for you every weekend (yes, every weekend!) and who doesn't even drink coffee but sees caramel creamer while he's grocery shopping (yes, he shops too!) and buys it for your next cup.
We recently renewed our vows and I could hardly get the words out because I was crying so hard. Ten years later, I love this man so much more than I did on our wedding day. It's a different love--a love that comes from building a life together. It's from bringing two babies into the world, from crying together when we had to say goodbye to loved ones, from dealing with all the ups and downs that can't be squeezed into a 90 minute comedy on the big screen.
I know that the next decade will bring even more joys and sorrows. That's real life. But we're both willing to stick it out until the credits roll at the very end. That's what married people do.
Love this post Michaela!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis one made me teary.
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