Celebrating 18 years of marriage!

The sentiment that resonates most with our celebration this year is simple yet powerful: start where you are. Don’t wait for things to be perfect.  A big part of our story has been embracing imperfection and growing stronger through it.

David and I got married within 3 months meeting each other. No I did not need citizenship, No it was not an arranged marriage and No I was not pregnant (I was shortly after). We were just sure! Over the years a lot has threatened that certainty and we have learned many great lessons.

Our mainstay starts with honesty, being honest to ourselves then to each other. Below are some pictures from our journey as a couple.

Stereotypical village people, we had an at home reception. In the preparation rush I could do little else with the kitchen. The officiating magistrate sweetly kept saying, "there is so much love here." (Must remember to unfriend whoever took these photos - I am joking Michelle, Tennille and Ian).

This - High Rock, Bathsheba, Barbados - is where we actually got married. Magical!

A few years in - the face and posture with which I fell in love! 💕

Some fun times - and free promo for AA Barbados and Al-Anon Barbados

Marriage is a marathon plus dynamic. Over our years, we have changed jobs, moved homes, welcomed children, and priorities seem constantly shifting. Each phase tested us and our ability to nurture our home.

One thing we can say for sure marriage requires ongoing work. Trending gurus advise that couples should do the following for a successful marriages. With everyday and occasional life challenges we mostly miss out on the first 2 but we do ok on the 3rd.

• Scheduling date nights. (budget and parenting without a village limits this).

• Sharing daily highlights and challenges in order to stay emotionally connected. (most times one falls asleep while the other is talking 😄).

• Supporting each other’s personal growth and dreams. (check- at last).

Marriage reality will test the strongest individuals. Our prayer is that each couple finds their pot of gold at the end of rainbows after rains. Keep working on your personal development and find yourself a village or create one! -BHS