Anniversary

Yesterday was our third anniversary. We had a quiet meal at home, keeping our tradition of a special Italian dessert wine and biscotti afterwards, in memory of our Italian honeymoon.

After dinner, we sat on our porch in and watched the gentle rain, reminiscing about the past three years. We both agreed that our first year and a half were the happiest of our lives. On the surface, it might seem strange that they would be so happy. I was a full-time student, my husband had a grueling commute, we were adjusting to life away from our families, whom we were both very close to.....

Our lives were full of self sacrifice. My husband only drove so far so I could get my degree. I only had such a horrific work load so that I could finish early for his sake. We prayed the rosary together regularly on his drive, and our weekends were often spent blissfully laid back just enjoying each other. We were generous with our time and money. We even let our brother live with us for a while.

Maybe it was that self sacrifice that was the key to our happiness. We were both doing so much for the sake of the other. During the time of the affair, my husband was in school for the betterment of the family, yes, but school became an escape from us. He would stay there longer than necessary to be with his new friend, even though he had such little time at home. My focus was on our son. I knew things weren't right between us, but we both kept putting off fixing the problem because we thought we should tough it out until school was over. Our love for each other was no longer first priority.

To regain the peace and happiness of our first year or so, I think we probably need to keep that sacrificial love always in the forefront of our minds. Yes, we have obligations to our son and family, and Church, but we can best serve them when we are strong together.

And so, My most precious Love, today I re-dedicate myself to you. I offer up our suffering now for strength and peace later. We can and will be happy as long as we keep this rediscovered fervor for each other burning in our hearts. I love you, Darling. Happy Anniversary.