Last Tuesday, June 7th, was our 25th wedding anniversary. When Eric found out he was leaving, one of my first thoughts was that he would miss our anniversary. But it was just a day in our lives. Nothing special happened and may not have even happened if he had been here. He has missed so many more important things like Laramy getting his license and Ayden's first swim meet and Logan heading off to college and finishing his first year. I have thought at times that the year hasn't seemed too long until I go back and think about all that has happened. And then I realize it has been a long time. Even the last 25 years seem to have blinked by until I think back to all we have done and experienced.
Eric and I have spent a lot of time chatting about our dreams and goals and how we want our life to be together upon his return. I know that has helped to keep his mind occupied at times, too. But we moved three times in five years (we moved 7 times total in 25 years) and moves always involve change and stress.
So before Eric left we kind of decided that I would spend the year getting our life organized from the moves because that's what I love to do..organize. And so that's what I've done. And I used this time apart as a positive thing in our life even though it has been incredibly difficult.
I started with our money and studied Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover and then I sent it to him and he read it. So while I was in charge of our finances, we talked through everything. I can't recommend Dave Ramsey enough.
And then I started organizing...and I started with his garage. Most men gasp when I mention this but... I did it with the knowledge that it is going to be torn down soon..very soon. I also straightened his tools in the basement. But I had to because I straightened his tools in the garage. I threw out most of his clothes. But he needs new and he has lost a lot of weight...a lot. And I also started shopping for him on end of season racks so he is coming home to some fun stuff. I also stole his side of the bed. We've slept in the same spots for 25 years and now we are switching. But he also has a new memory foam mattress to come home to and now he sleeps closer to the door which will be to his benefit.
I've painted almost every room, moved things around, and shuffled stuff until I was satisfied. He will be coming home to lots of changes and nice surprises. We will probably discover some of my changes together because I've long since forgotten he doesn't know about them. But it will be good because we will all have a lot of adjusting to do.
It just doesn't matter what he's missed or the changes I've made. We have still been married for 25 years. Most importantly he is coming home to a safe place, full of love, ready and waiting, where he will no longer live in fear every day.
Happy Silver Anniversary..... can't wait to see what the next 25 brings us!
Thank you, everyone, for all of your prayers and support! It has meant so much to both of us. Remember to make each day count and not just the special ones.
God Bless,
Love,
Monica
