On the first of July, my husband and I celebrated twenty years of marriage, and I realized two decades isn’t the most momentous aspect of that occasion.
Beyond twenty years of commitment and trials and nearly giving up—in addition to two incredible children, a life built together and countless memories and heart moments—Tony and I saw, accepted, supported, encouraged and cheered each other’s dreams.
The world saw crazy pipe dreams; we saw passion in one another and added our belief in and commitment to the cause when the other wavered.
Dream #1
In 2011, I declared I wanted to be a published author. Tony supported me then as I poured over that year’s Writer’s Market at our library and sat in the bathroom at my in-law’s house to scribble out my first few children’s books and several short stories.
He supported me again when I decided that wasn’t the right time and set aside my dream.
Fast-forward to 2016, Tony cheered me on and made it possible for me to embark on my journey to publication as an indie author. He encouraged me to celebrate each small win along the way, even when I felt it wasn’t worth the fuss.
And on the days when I don’t know why I bother, he reminds me of my why, kisses my tears of disappointment and listens while I gush about the characters working their stories through my fingers as though they’re as real as you and me.
Dream #2
In 2022, Tony shared a secret dream with me: he’d always wanted to be in law enforcement. And then he laid out his plan to achieve that dream. He would join our Parish’s sheriff’s department reserve division so he could defend and protect where we and our children call home.
Much like my dream, his came without a paycheck but with a huge time commitment. His also carried far greater risk.
But, I saw the passion in his eyes and knew exactly how he felt. We talked his plans through, and I gave him my support and encouragement and cheered him on during long days, longer nights, injuries and doubts. He wears the uniform well and makes us proud every time he puts it on to keep us and our neighbors safe.
Reflection
And so, last week, as he and I slipped away for a carefully planned and saved for getaway to a magical treehouse cabin in beautiful Rome, Ga., I reflected on how remarkable it was to be there.
Not just there in the grandeur of nature and majesty of the mountains.
Not just there on a substantial anniversary of the most important day of our lives.
But there, side by side, hand in hand, heart to heart as our passions beat together and our love sang the tune of each of our dreams, harmoniously and balanced.
Truth
Such unison doesn’t come without occasional discord.
We have had some frank moments of discussion surrounding my writing a couple times over the years. We both felt the strain as the weeks stretched to months and close to years of training on top of his fulltime job and other responsibilities.
We’ve both had moments of frustration over time lost together, especially when our free time doesn’t always align.
But … we communicate. We share. We’re honest. And, we listen. Plus, we truly believe in the dreams and want to do all we can to support them and ensure they come true.
Here’s to twenty more years and even more dreams come true. I love you, Tony. Thank you for being my partner in dreams and in life.