The journey between here and there

Wow! It’s hard to believe that 10 years ago, it was raining, it was my wedding day and I almost didn’t get married because I thought the rain meant bad luck. Thank goodness Amanda and Julianne were there pushing me out the door or I wouldn’t have gone… as it was I was 1/2 hour late.

Well, today it was raining, cloudy and yucky… same as when we got married… except this time I wasn’t freakn’ out. I was content and happy. Kyle told me that if it rains on your wedding it actually means”good luck and that your marriage will last forever.” Well, when he told me that I thought it was just BS and he was feeding me a line in order to make me feel better with a stupid superstition… but hey, here we are… 10 years later.

We’ve been through some crazy times and he’s been there by my side, steadfast, holding my hand, patiently and sweetly. Never before have I trusted anyone or loved anyone as much as I love him. I know he drives me crazy at times and I KNOW I drive him bonkers, but I love him. He is the eye of the storm for me. Chaos and craziness swirl about me, but when he’s around I feel calm. I feel love. I feel peace. I feel comforted.

I really do love hanging out with him. I love it when he’s around. He makes me laugh even when I don’t feel like laughing. Anytime I’m feeling cranky or sad he gives me a hug. He’s so free with his love. He’s very warm, kind, patient and we have a great time together. My love for him has grown over the years and the trials we have been through have only made us stronger.

I remember seeing him in institute class and thinking, “WOW! He’s so hot!” I observed him for a couple classes and anticipated each class because he was there. One day while he was answering a question I looked over at him and the weirdest thing happened… It was like I saw into his soul. I saw the Spirit he was before he came to earth. It was amazing. I saw a very strong, smart, valiant man. It was a surreal experience. I threw out my fishing line and began to reel him in.

I went up to him after class and asked him if he would be my model for one of my photo shoots I had to do for my photojournalism assignment. He was flattered and said yes. So I brought all my stuff over to his garage a week later and I set up the shot. We had a great time goofing around as I took lots of pictures. I called him on the phone a few times, found out which ward he went to, then I would ward hop and visit his ward on Sundays.

A week before Valentines day he asked me out to the movies. We went to Esso plaza downtown Calgary and saw some movie, I don’t even remember what it was. I just remember leaving the movies at night and he grabbed my hand and pulled me close to him. I almost died. Inside I was jumping around and screaming I was so excited. I tried to contain my happiness, but I was my usual hyper, chatty, bubbly, happy self…. that was our first date.

We didn’t kiss on the first date, that would be oh so improper since I was little Miss Molly. I didn’t kiss on the first date. He asked me out again on Valentines Day … and I guess the rest is history. We were stuck like glue to one another. I don’t even remember our first kiss. I just remember our first date. We dated for 3 years. We went through ups and downs. We got to know each other quite well… So he knew what he was getting into when we got married.

I always ask him why he married me and he always says that ‘I’m fun and I’m full of surprises. He never knows what to expect from me, things are never dull or boring when I’m around.’ Years later and I still surprise him. He truly is my best friend. I love talking with him and just being with him.

Now that we have 5 kids my heart just melts when I watch him play with the kids. He’s always the better parent. He’s such a good dad. He tries hard and he is the softy when it comes to them. I’m the bull in the china shop and he is the big teddy bear.

I’m the crazy, insane one and he’s always the calm, patient one. We are total opposites from one another, but we’re proof that opposites attract. He completes me and he’s my match. I love him to bits and pieces. I’m glad that I married him…10 years later and he still takes my breath away. I’ll still look at him and think, “Wow! He’s sexy!”. Sometimes through a crowd I’ll spot him and think, “Holy crap that guy is hot!… then a few seconds later my brain kicks and I think, Hot diggity dog! He’s mine! That’s Ryan!!!”

Although I may rant and rave, stomp my foot and spaz out like a spoiled 3 year old, I really do love him and I appreciate all he does for me and our little family. He has a quiet inner strength and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I love it when he draws me into his burly chest with his big arms and envelops me in a hug. I snuggle in and I feel like nothing can ever hurt me again. I feel so safe. I’ve never knew love could be so powerful and so amazing. 10 years later and I can finally say, “yes, I do love you with all my heart!”

Happy 10th Anniversary my love!

Love Always and Forever,
Your crazy wife Joanne.