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.