Remember when....

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to just be people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey…delays…sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.” ― Gordon B. Hinckley


Romance in the air at work today led to the sharing of marriage proposal stories.  I loved how each story reflected the personality of the individual sharing.  I thought back to my own marriage proposal.  I wrote about that proposal previously HERE.

Today I thought about the years since that proposal.  Life has not always been perfect.  We have definitely had our ups and downs.  There was even a point where we had decided to throw in the towel, but what I know is that I sure love this man and I am glad we have been able to spend 27 Valentine's Days together.

Last weekend we celebrated by taking a "stay-cation" and went to Zion National Park staying in the Zion Park Lodge.  In the morning, we went for a walk together along the Riverwalk Trail before heading home.  Each time we walk that trail, I discover something new.  This trip was no different.  In addition to the heron perched on rock in the middle of the river, I learned that I still really like this man I married.  Even all these years later we still have plenty to talk about, even without the children for entertainment purposes.  Yep, I still really like him and better yet, he seems to like me.

Valentine's Day started off with craziness as I hurried to get out the door to the doctor, Emily was rehearsing her presentation for the History Fair, Wil was in a rush to catch his ride to school and Lela and Jon just tried to stay out of the way.  As always, when things get crazy, Rick has my back and stepped up to help Emily rehearse, get dressed and haul presentation, computer, Valentine's, etc. to school.  He helped her find where she needed to be and provided me with an update so I didn't have to worry.  I see his example in our children as Jon came to the rescue to help with Emily's class party.  Rick has taught by example the importance of teamwork and stepping up to help and support one another.

Recently we met with our stake president (the ecclesiastical leader of multiple LDS congregations).  One of the first questions he asked was about the status of our marriage.  I waited for Rick to respond and in his normal understated way, he declared our marriage to be fine.  Later after much poking by me, he amended that description to be "very fine".  Yep, he doesn't want to be too enthusiastic.  Got to appreciate the understated steadiness of his devotion.

So while I may not have received flowers or chocolate that I did not order/purchase myself today, I have the best gift of all - an eternal Valentine who is dependable, steady and loves me and whom I am still head over heels in love with and enjoy spending every possible moment with.