9 Years and Counting......

July 2nd 2000

Our journey began 12 years ago, I was 18 and Jim was 22. We met working together at Fire District #14, every Friday. I truly don't think that it was love at first sight. I saw this 6 foot 3 inch man, a true Montana boy at heart, and I was completely intimidated. He was very quiet, very loyal to the job, and a hard shell to crack. Little did I know that he was equally as intimidated by me, as I was by him.

Our day's would go by at the station, same as the week before. Rig checks, hydrant maintenance, hose testing, and district mapping. We would run some call's (let me tell you, the best call I ever went on was with Jim, remind me sometime and I will tell you, completely hilarious!).

One day Jim and I were drafting to the pump from a cistern, we were right in the middle of him telling me something very important, and the rain started. Now folks, this was in the Pacific Northwest, when it rain's, it is torrential downpour! Oh buddy, did it rain! Jim got so mad his neck was beat red and he was doing everything that he could to not swear in front of me, all of this for some reason was so funny to me, and I got the giggles, which just ticked him off even more! Not for long, then he was getting the giggles too! Something at that moment clicked......

Before there were fireworks, and googly eyes, there was a friendship, a mutual respect that has grown into the most beautiful relationship that I have been blessed to have.

The man in that wedding picture, taken nine years ago; is my best friend, my greatest champion, my protector, my provider, my lover, my comic relief, my house cleaner (no joke, really), my moral compass, my spiritual guide, and the keeper of my heart.

It has been a ride....... We have had our fill of trials and heartache, but we have experienced a joy like no other. Our Jesus has blessed us with a love that surpasses them all.

So raise your glasses folks....... To us....... May we continue to be blessed by the goodness of our Saviour........ and continue to love more than an average heart has the capacity for........

To my love (my main squeeze), I will love you from here to eternity, you are cherished, you are one of a kind (there is no one who could ever compare to you), Happy Anniversary!

Here's to the next 9 years!