Dreams

Most young girls spend at least a little time dreaming about their future. They think about how it will all come together, who they will marry, and what kind of life they want to build. I was no different.

Because of these dreams, I had certain hopes and expectations that I carried with me through my dating years. As I spent time with different people, I put mental check marks next to those dreams. And with every person I dated, I felt I would have to sacrifice some (or many) of them if the relationship were to continue. In a few instances, I convinced myself that I'd be OK with that. After all, I'd been told my entire life that I'd never find EVERYTHING I wanted. I started to believe that.

Until I met Ryan.

From the very beginning of our relationship, those dreams fell into place between us like tumblers to a key that unlocked my future. Within two weeks after our first date, (Nov. 21, 2003--which has a story of its own!), I was pretty sure that this was IT. Around this time, we had a quiet conversation by the light of the Christmas tree in which we discussed where this relationship was going. While we didn't say the word "marriage," we did admit, in vague (safe) terms, that we both felt that this relationship was more "long-term."

When Ryan went home to Seattle for Christmas, his absence confirmed that "pretty sure" feeling into an "I KNOW" feeling. I remember telling him, as we talked on the phone Christmas night, that life was just better with him than without him. I didn't want to be separated from him ever again! I also remember saying, "Next time you go to Seattle, I am coming with you." And he agreed. During that same conversation, (which was a couple of hours long, if I remember correctly), we talked about getting married. To each other.

We were engaged a month later.

After a four month engagement, we were married on May 22, 2004 in the Mt. Timpanogos temple. Today is our 8th Anniversary. I've said this a million times before and I'm sure this isn't the last time I'll say it: When we got married, I knew I was getting a good guy. What I didn't know was just how good he was!

During our life together, Ryan has shown me again and again what a lucky woman I am to have him. During our sealing, our sealer counseled me to brag about my husband. And, really, Ryan makes it easy to do that! He will happily do anything that needs doing, from changing a diaper to major home improvement projects. He is my calm and steady when I'm anything but. As cliche as it sounds, he really is my best friend. I know that I can trust him with my heart and he will keep it safe. How this incredible man ended up choosing ME remains a mystery to me.

After 8 years, life continues to be better with Ryan than without him. Even in my most hopeful young girl dreams, I could not have imagined a more amazing man or a more beautiful life than the one we have built together. I am so glad he's mine!

Happy Anniversary, Ryan!