Happy Anniversary to Me

Today is our 12th wedding anniversary. Twelve years ago today right about now my friends and I were actually putting on makeup. That in and of itself is so rare as to make the date noteworthy.

My husband and I can never seem to end up on the same continent on our anniversary. I'm sure in the past twelve years we must have spent some anniversaries together, but it's hard to even remember one.

Yesterday, the kids took me out for dinner to celebrate. We even ordered dessert. We had a really nice day together just spending time playing and talking. I don't think kids really grasp the concept of an anniversary though. It just isn't as glamorous as a birthday.

I am feeling a bit down today. I already got three e-mails from my husband, starting just after midnight to wish me a happy anniversary and they made me smile. But I am indulging in a bit of a pity party.

This morning I went to a committee meeting at school. I have great respect and admiration for all the women who sat around that table from me, but today I felt jealous.

I was jealous that they would be seeing their husband's that night. I was jealous that they would get to eat dinner with them. I was even jealous that they could argue and fight like a normal couple if they wanted to.

Over the years through all of my husband's deployments I've had moments like this. Luckily they are fleeting because they don't make me feel good about myself. There is nothing worse than pity. Throwing my own gala bash of a pity party is not my idea of the kind of military wife and mom I want to be.

As I was composing this very entry my husband was able to call. It was a surprise and hearing his voice has made me feel light years better.

"It's been a great eighteen years," he said.

"It's only been twelve years!" I laughingly corrected him.

"It's been eighteen years since we met."

"You're right." I replied. "Huh. That's more than half my life!"

And a great life it has been. Our relationship has grown stronger and our marriage even more wonderful year after year. Even if he is half a world away from me today, I wouldn't want any other man.

I love you, honey. Happy anniversary to us!