Fifteen years ago, Hilary and I met for the first time. On that day, we never imagined where we would be today, or the road it would take for us to get here, but here we are, and hindsight gives us an understanding we didn't have back then.
We didn't know each other, of course, but something sparked our mutual interest in one another. We went on our first date the very next day, and to say the rest is history is a fantastic understatement. It's not possible to summarize our days together, not really, but there have been highs, and there have been lows.
To say the least, it has been a long road full of unexpected twists and turns. At times, it has felt like the gentle bends of a Vermont winding road through the countryside. Other times, it has felt like an erratic roller coaster hell-bent on throwing us from the rails.
I could go on and try and paraphrase further, but I think you get the idea. If I were to try to say what I mean in other words, I would tell you that Hilary and I have lived a very full life, and for that, I couldn't be more thankful.
The ups and downs have helped each of us grow into better versions of those young people who met that fateful day inside the dealership—they've pushed us to our limits, tested our resolve, and tried our patience with one another. That we're still together is a blessing in the most real sense of the word, and I give a lot of the credit to my wife for holding us together during difficult times.
That's why I wanted to write this post and dedicate it to her. Without my wife, I wouldn't be where I am today. Whatever version of me that exists without her is a far shadow different than who I am today, and I can't imagine any scenario where it would be an improvement.
I don't want to oversell it, but saying I am thankful for my wife is another understatement. She is my anchor, my assistant, my peer, and so much more. As hard as it is for her sometimes, she reminds me that you can get so much more out of life when I stay focused and dedicate myself to things that have meaning for both of us.
In the last several months, with Covid-19 altering the direction of our lives yet again, Hilary and I have dedicated ourselves to growing our photography business, and it is perhaps the most exciting development in our life short of having children.
I now get to spend my days working alongside my best friend, sharing in the joy that is being a business owner, and working towards a single goal. We are more of a team now than ever before, and I couldn't be more thankful for this amazing woman who graces my life with her dedication every day.
So, Hilary, on this 15th anniversary to the beginning of our lives together, I want to say thank you. Thank you for all that you do, big and small (none of it is small), and thank you for everything I know you will continue to do. I couldn't live this life without you, and I am so glad you've said 'yes' throughout the years.
I can't wait to see what the next fifteen years will bring our way. I get the feeling they'll be some of the best years of our life together.
I love you.
—Nathan
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