wow.
really? has it really been nine years since i donned my then size 0 wedding dress and stood next to phil as he vainly tried to wipe his face with a decidedly non-absorbent SILK handkerchief (he was in a TUX on a hot JULY day in a church with NO air-conditioning) while dan led us through our vows of better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and in health. til death do us part.
it was, even with all its flaws, the happiest day of my life. then.
i've since been very blessed with many other happy days in my life with phil.
but i'm not gonna lie. it's also been a tough road, with many unexpected turns, many low valleys, many times we've taken each other for granted, many times it's felt lonely, many unfinished talks, many times we've just simply had to gut through the hard times in order to see the good times return, many times when it's felt like our commitment was the only thing holding us together.
that perhaps has been the greatest thing i've learned and it's only taken me nine years to learn it. that our highs and lows come in waves, so that hard times need only be ridden out and learned from before the better times rolled back around. thankfully, no one phase lasts forever. further is the realization i'm married to an imperfect person. the bigger shocker still is that i am also a very imperfect person. so we two imperfect people have not had a perfect marriage. but we serve a God who never fails and who has always been faithful to carry us through the highs and lows of life. and who so lovingly teaches and encourages us to grow in Christlikeness as we relate to one another. still working on that.
nine years. we very literally grew up into adulthood together in our marriage. and thankfully, the Lord allowed us to grow together instead of apart on this path we've traveled on. he's still my best friend. i'm still his confidante. we're still happiest when we're together.
and that is certainly something to celebrate and be thankful for.
ps- these pics were from phil's graduation day. more from that day coming soon.
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9 comments:
Beautifully written, Michelle. Completely warmed my heart. Made me smile & even got a little misty eyed there. Happy Anniversary to you & Phil! Love you & miss you!
I have tears in my eyes as I read this, Michelle. I totally remember that day nine (has it really been NINE??) years ago- you and Phil, young, innocent, and happy, standing across from each other, getting married. And now I am just incredible thankful to God for His faithfulness and love for you both. He has brought you through so much. To rejoice in each other, after all of those nine years, is an incredible blessing and gift.
And on another note, fashion-related, you look so cute! And you're wearing a belt! Over your cardigan! You Michelle Obama, you!
happy anniversary!! i remember your post on your anni last yr. time is just flying by.
such a touching post. :)
i like how in the last family picture your bro's fam and dad are in the background, hehe.
stef- thank you. and thank you especially for being there to walk with me through the last year and for your wisdom and encouragement and listening ear. it has meant more to me than i can say.
minna- thank you, dear friend! and you're too funny about the fashion comment. i couldn't get that silly ribbon belt tied with a straight bow and fussed with it the whole day! this is why i usually avoid anything remotely fashionable. i can't handle it! :P
thanks joyce for always taking the time to comment. i really appreciate that! :)
esther- i liked that too!
happy anniversary, and congrats on phil's graduation! what a big year for your family!
happy anniversary. i couldn't have said it any better. God is so good and faithful!
sorry this is late.... (we were beach camping on your very special day and i'm just now catching up on all the emails/fb/blogs)
but happy 9 years!!! you two make a great team and i'm proud to say i was there, just a few feet away, as you and phil said your "i dos".
here's to many many more wonderful children, er, i mean years together mr. and mrs. phil tsai!
Phil Tsai- Love u honey.
July 15, 2010 at 1:08pm
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