See this man:

Yes him.

That one right there in the canoe.

I have been married to this man for 7 years. 7. And I love him more than I ever thought possible.

Seven years ago today I stood nervously – since I have a fear of crowds & public speaking – in front of my closest friends and family and said these words aloud:

In the presence of God and before these witnesses, I L.aura take you J.ohn to be my husband.

I will treasure our friendship, and love you today, tomorrow, and forever.

I will trust and honour you.

I will laugh and cry with you, and share my life openly and honestly with you.

I do not take you for granted, I cherish you.

I do not need you, I choose you.

I choose you today in witness of all the people who love us.

I choose you tomorrow in the privacy of our hearts.

I choose you in strength and weakness.

I choose you in health and in sickness.

I choose you in joy and in sorrow.

I will choose you, over all others, every day for all the days of my life. This is my solemn vow.

And I meant every word.

J, I’m glad you picked me up at the bus station all those years ago to surprise a dear friend. I had no idea that it would change the course of my life the way it did. But, life and love finds a way and here we are over 10 years later.

Happy Anniversary.