Not a garden of roses, but worth the journey!

 

My dearest love,

Today marks 14 years since we embarked on this incredible journey together. It feels like just yesterday we set out with bright eyes and hopeful hearts, unaware of the twists and turns that awaited us. Reflecting on these years, I am filled with awe at how far we've come, how much we've grown, and how deeply we've loved.

In the beginning, it seemed so easy, almost like a leisurely stroll through a beautiful garden. Yet, we quickly learned that marriage, like life itself, is filled with complexities. We've faced challenges that tested our courage and resolve. There were moments when a simple conversation turned into a heated debate, leaving us bewildered at how we got there. But through it all, we never lost sight of our commitment—to walk this path together, come what may. Those moments taught us the art of patience and listening, guiding us towards deeper understanding and empathy.

Our journey has been a blend of sweetness and bitterness, much like a bittersweet pill that we've swallowed with grace. We've celebrated triumphs and weathered storms, always leaning on our faith and the promises we made to each other. Our goal has never been simply to endure this marriage, but to thrive—to reach that finish line where our love shines brightly, free from pain and doubt.

I came into this journey with a lot of expectations from my other gender but I later realized that no one is perfect. I thought I had to be a man, but I realized that the two became one and it’s longer I alone who lives but together we make life better. It dawned on me that I need to be understanding and considerate and that’s when it would cease to be a thorny garden.

It’s about embracing each other's imperfections and growing stronger together. I've learned that being a spouse isn't about being a man or a woman, but about being a unified force, where two individuals merge into one, making life richer and more meaningful.

Looking back, I realize that certain things were not adding up anything much except a call for humility and love would make this journey worth it. Each challenge has been an opportunity for us to learn, to forgive, and to deepen our bond.

Every day that passes by, an empty nest clocks in and we get to remind ourselves that we better get closer like we started it, the only two of us, and grow stronger together. That’s when the journey can be lighter with Christ in our midst—the foundation upon which our love was built.

I have learnt to trust God and my wife if my heart is to be at peace. I have known that every good thing I need to see in this journey almost starts with me and I have therefore changed my course many times to fit in what works for us not ‘me’. I have gauged the number of Kms we still need to walk and I realized if I leave her behind, it may take me longer. As they say “If you want to go fast, walk alone but if you want to reach far, walk as a team”, I see that I have no option but to live patiently with each other. It’s a daily journey full of learning experiences. Even when I feel I know much about her now, I discover a new thing and vice versa. 

The years have gone and we still make life better than ever before. I have learnt that Love grows and this depends on how much we invest daily. The closer we are, the stronger we walk the journey with ease and the better we make it a garden of roses only the two of us!

To everyone who has witnessed this journey with us intimately, we can’t thank you more than enough. Only God can pay you back. I now look back and I just want to sing “He made away…, I am standing here only because you made away.” 

Happy 14th anniversary my dearest sweetheart. You have been a beckon for me to lean on and I wouldn’t be what I am today without you. Today, I celebrate not just our years together, but the resilience of our love, the depth of our commitment, and the joy of knowing that with Christ at the center, our journey grows lighter and more purposeful. 

Thank you for being my partner, my confidant, my best friend, and the one we have made life sweeter together. I am grateful for every moment we've shared and eagerly anticipate the future adventures that await us.

Happy anniversary once again, my love. Here's to many more years of laughter, growth, and unwavering love.