My 18 Year Wedding Anniversary: Why Being a We Has Made Me, Me
Today marks 18 years since Steve and I were married. Yes, December 28, 1991 was a special day for us. Not that the certificate or formality really made any difference; we were already dedicated to each other and knew that we would spend our lives together, ceremony or not. But still, it was one stepping stone on our path through life together that is certainly fun to celebrate and reflect upon.
Steve and I were youngsters when we met. He was still in high school and I was home for the summer from college when we initially became friends while working at a frozen yogurt joint together. Our first "official" date was at the Hollywood Palladium, where we saw The Primitives and The Sugarcubes play (and watched the fantastic Bjork scream her little heart out). A year and eight months later, we were planning our trip to Ireland to say our "I-dos."
Circa, 1989
Though I'm certain that many onlookers assumed we were too young to make it in the marriage game, we both had this inherent knowledge that we were right for each other and I do believe that our instincts were right, because 18 years later, I think we both feel like we have only just begun to enjoy our lives together.
We have been through so much as a couple during our married years. I finished college. Steve finished law school. We had three super rad kiddos. We started our own online business, opened a skateboard shop, sold our skateboard shop, bought our first house, sold it and bought another one, saw our way through different jobs and ideas, became vegans, became liberals - and then anarchists.
The first house we bought together in Riverside, CA
We found rationality and opened our minds together, thus learning to embrace so much more of what the world has to offer because of it. We have learned together, dreamed together, realized together, found courage together, and changed our course together.
We have recognized the importance of appreciating the little things in life. We have leaned on each other and looked for courage through one another's strength. We have realized the importance of goals and the significance of providing support in order to reach them.
We have learned to face life together; when times are rough and when times are optimal. We have each other and we are both better people individually because we are a team together.
I really have no words to adequately describe how much I love Steve. I appreciate every day that I get to walk through life with him by my side. I adore our memories of the past 18 years and I am thrilled at the prospect of our future. He has taught me to love who I am and never wavered in his support in all that I do.
Happy 18 Years to my best friend, husband, and companion through the journey of life. I love you, Steve.
Monday, December 28, 2009 at 9:12AM
Reader Comments (11)
that pic of you guys from 89 is freaking adorable! congrats on 18 yrs, may the next 18 be even more wonderful. :)
HAPPY 18YRS TOGETHER!!!! here's to another 18 & another & another. you guys are awesome!!!! i agree that pic from '89 is so flippin adorable...hehe the new one is more colorful but still just as adorable...love you bunches xoxo
You two ROCK!!! Happy Anniversary!!!
Thank god (hehe) you did not go the Lawrence family route!!! ;-)
Like I said yesterday, Caddel/Caddel in 2012! has a nice ring to it. You two would flip the white house upside down. Just what it needs too! =)
Happy 18th!!!
That brought me tears. So sweet!, thank you for sharing a glimpse of your love, joy and happiness! happy anniversary guys =)
Happy Anniversary to both of you! It's been amazing watch the two of you during your years of growing together! You are so good together, and that makes life so wonderful for both of you! Love to you both!!!
Our 17 year anniversary was on December 26th. Happy Anniversary guys. Who New?
Many Hailz!
Jinxi, this is such a touching and humbling post to have read! All of the assorted things you and Steve have been through together have clearly made for a very joyful life together. Happy Anniversary, and I look forward to reading about the one next year.
Jinxi, this is such a touching and humbling post to have read! All of the assorted things you and Steve have been through together have clearly made for a very joyful life together. Happy Anniversary, and I look forward to reading about the one next year.
Happy Anni, Jinxi! Such a great post and the photos are to-die for. I love the young photos. They truly reflect the beginning of self actualization. You were so pretty, but now you are beautiful and much more whole. Both you and Steve's eyes shine now. That's hard-earned for sure, but only in a joyful way. You guys really are a gold-standard couple. Love you!
Happy Anniversary! What a wonderful post--you are amazing with words. You two are such a great example to your children and to the rest of the world. I can't believe it has been 18 years! It was 31 for Dave and I this year--they just keep getting better. Love you, cutie niece!
Wow its a long time. Congratulations to both of you. May God bless you all the way.