14 years and still going strong

Today is our Wedding Anniversary, June 18, 1994. On a scale of 1-10, I would call our marriage a strong 9. Sure we have the occasional disagreement, and yes, I get irritated when I feel like the weight of this entire family falls on my shoulders. I also know I am not easy to live with at times, with my temper and irritibility running rampant at times, but we are still together and it seems to work. We have made it through some incredibly good times and bad. We have endured unemployment, 2 pregnancies, health issues, work stress, family stress, child rearing stress, deaths of grandparents, among other things. We have also taken some incredible trips, shown our kids some phenomenal historic sights, incredible museums, built a house, and are finally on career tracks we seem to enjoy. As I look into the future, it is filled with anticipation and uncertainty. We are looking at the deteriorating health of both of my parents, my husbands father and step-mother, and continue to pray that his mother and step-father continue to enjoy their good health. Our daughter is starting her teen years early, as I endured watching her messenging back and forth to a boy who is very adamant that he wants her to be his "girlfriend". Our son is coming into his own as he develops into a conscientious young man that I hope will avoid the traps of this society and grow up to be a gentleman. The years seem to be going by faster and faster. I guess that means we're having fun, right? I would say yes. Overall, we have a pretty great life! As we said our vows on that hot day in 1994, I don't think either of us ever dreamed this is where we would be 14 years later. All of our hopes and dreams have pretty much come into fruition. I can truly say that we lead "a wonderful life!"