I know all about the stereotype that guys typically don’t remember their anniversary.

Well…most guys don’t have a wife like mine.

Today, Ronda and I celebrate our 14 year wedding anniversary, and I wouldn’t trade her, or a second of our life together for anything in the world.

Growing up, I always had this image in my head of what marriage was like. Probably the most important quality I was looking for came from my own parents who will celebrate their 50th anniversary in just a couple of years.

See, the meaning of marriage actually has something of value to us. We made vows to each other to love, honor, and cherish each other – till death do us part. Granted, we’re both human, and there have been times in the last 14 years when we don’t show as much love as we should. But the fundamental commitment we made to each other is important to us because of our core values as individuals. Our vows are more than just words, and something we honor because of who we are.

Over the last year, and more so over the last few months, we’ve gotten much closer as a couple. My soul mate has always been supportive of my dreams and desires. Lately, I’ve been able to support her in her passion for singing and goals that she has as an individual. Watching her go after this has been a wonderful experience because I know it’s what truly in her heart. She’s blossomed all over again, and I’ve fallen even more in love with her because of it.

While her singing hasn’t worked out exactly the way she’s planned, her new assertiveness and gut instinct has her on the cusp of a truly tremendous opportunity that has literally fallen right into her lap. (It’s not a done deal just yet, but everything is lining up smoother than silk.)

Just as she’s been supportive of me throughout our marriage in my dreams and desires – I’ve actually learned from her what type of support she needs to be truly happy and fulfilled. People love the way they want to be loved themselves. It’s our most natural state – and if you think about it, it makes perfect sense.

I couldn’t be happier to support her in this way because I couldn’t be more honored to have this beautiful, caring, intelligent, and supportive babe as my wife. She’s always been everything I’ve ever dreamed of – even now. If I had to do it all over again, I can’t think of a better, more loving and supportive person to do it with.

She’s my fantasy, my soul mate, my dream come true. I couldn’t be more honored to call this woman my wife.

Princess. Thank you for the most wonderful time of my life. It includes more than just our marriage, because I loved you even before our first date. (And it was the best first date of my entire life.) You’re my best friend, my soul mate, the woman of my dreams – and I can’t thank you enough for being who you are as a wife, a mother, and a friend.

I’ve never been more optimistic about our future together because of what we’ve experienced in our past. You’ve shown me time and time again how special you really are – and I love you more this moment than the day we both said “I do” and meant it. You my love truly are my “permanent wife”.

I can’t thank you enough. I love you! Happy Anniversary!

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Yesterday, my bride turned 40. I got her one of those new age cards to help her celebrate.

It said that her new age was 34.

She really liked that card!

We were out at dinner last night and started talking about all the things that have changed, didn’t exist, or means something completely different than it did 40 years ago when she was born. Here are a dozen things that use to mean one thing back then, but today means something completely different.

1. Call waiting referred to a line outside of a phone booth.

2. A flat screen was something you put in your window to keep out insects.

3. An airbag was someone who talked too much.

4. Spam was found only in the kitchen.

5. A cell phone was what you used to make your one call from jail.

6. Guys only got pierced ears from going to really loud concerts

7. High-speed access was an on-ramp to the freeway.

8. A mouse referred to an animal you wanted to keep out of the house.

9. A dish was something you put on the kitchen table, not the side of the house.

10. A virus was something that was only found in the body.

11. A CD was put into a bank.

12. A birthday was something you actually looked forward too.

Lordy, lordy how things have changed!

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I admit it…I’m spoiled. Some might even go as far as saying spoiled rotten, and they just might be right. Some 15 years ago I moved to Atlanta, found myself a true Southern Bell, and she agreed to marry me. I tell people all the time it was the best move I ever made. I couldn’t ask for a better soul mate, cook, mother of our children, home maker, and all around companion than what I have found in my real life woman of my dreams. I get teased all the time that I “Married Up” and I honestly have no defense, and would have to agree that I’m guilty as charged. I certainly hope that most don’t think it’s as drastic as Rod Stewart and Rachel Hunter, or Rick Ocasek and Paulina Porizkova. (One of those, what is SHE doing with HIM??!!) I would agree however she is the better half when it comes to this union.

I’m reminded of a quote in Monsters, Inc. when Mike Wazowski tells Celia, “I remember the first time I set eye on you.” (I think I looked just like that picture too!) I was blown away. I came to find out that this woman was a former Miss Emanuel County and Miss Valdosta State. Beautiful, intelligent, and an extremely talented voice that makes your heart just melt. However, the cincher for me…the first time she made me Lasagnas. If the quickest way to a mans heart is through his stomach, this dish certainly did it for me. It was by far the best Lasagnas I ever had. (If anyone tells my mother, that my wife’s is better, I will flat out deny it!) I’m the luckiest man in the world to have someone who loves me as much as she does, and who takes pride in taking care of me the way she does.

They say that opposites attract, and I’ve known this to be true in other relationships and even in marriage. However, finding someone you have common interests in and similar backgrounds I believe is key in helping a relationship thrive. Ronda and I have so many things we enjoy doing together and like a lot of the same things. We both wanted children, and even found that we had picked out the same names for our kids when we were dating. (Brittany and Brandon, who eventually changed to Brian.) We LOVE to travel and our passion is cruising. We are also both entrepreneurs, and have even found a business we enjoy working together, with YTB Travel Network. We still have our own interests and we’ve also found that each of us bring special qualities to the relationship. Ronda for example is a wiz with numbers and finances. I on the other hand am a wiz with anything dealing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Don’t knock it, in this household, it’s important!) It makes for a great combination!

Today, we celebrate our Diamond Anniversary, 10 years of marriage. It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached this milestone in our partnership; it certainly doesn’t feel that long. Of all the qualities I love about my wife, and there are many, there is one that stands out above all the rest. It’s the fact that the vows we shared ten years ago meant just as much to her as they did to me. Marriage means something to us, it’s an important union. There have been some rough times over the last ten years, but we both promised each other that we would stick together, for better or worse, sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. The vows we shared were important to both of us, and we both knew what it was like to have a partner that didn’t understand what that meaning meant.

We are off to the North Georgia Mountains for an extended weekend without the kids. (Thanks Mema and Pappa!) Before we left, I wanted to tell the world just how special she is, and how much she means to me. I am so happy and grateful she said yes. Because she did, I know that dreams can and do come true.

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