Today is a big day in our house.
Sam is having a birthday.
It is also the army’s birthday.
And one year ago today we said “I do” on the beach.
Time certainly flies when you are having fun. We’ve accomplished so much in a year. We have celebrated, we have cried. There have been good days and there have been bad days. Sleepless nights, long nights of travel…and the best part of all of that is…I would do it over and over again.
I didn’t want to have my heart hurt again when I met Sam. And honestly, I just went to his office at SIU to give him some fliers about English composition for student veterans. That’s all.
I was there for almost two hours.
I’ve learned a lot over the years (counting the dating years, here) about veterans. I’ve witnessed struggles with daily anxiety, PTSD, nightmares, self-doubt. But I’ve also witnessed grit, determination, and drive. PTSD doesn’t define the Veterans who struggle with it, and it sure as hell doesn’t define Sam.
I can’t imagine my life without Sam. I’m amazed by him every day. I fall more in love with him every single day. He’s a blessing to me, to the kids, and to many others.
Today we celebrate. One year down.
Now, forgive me while I flood this post with pictures and one of my favorite songs by Harry Connick, Jr.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iHvKk2zV-Vs
Happiest of birthdays, my love. We did it–one year down, only a thousand more to go. ❤️
