Cheers to 4 Years

1 Corinthians 13:7

7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

To say anniversaries aren't bitter sweet would be a lie but I am so incredible proud of how far we have come in just 4 short years. 

On August 3rd, we stood before our family with knots in our stomachs and huge smiles on our faces.

Back on a quiet country road, we were married at my parents farm house.  In an attempt to keep things simple and low stress, we opted to have a family only wedding, surrounding by the people who watched us grow up, grow in love, and of course are our biggest fans.

As I walked out onto the wrap around porch and down the steps, I couldn't stop smiling at Derek (and also thinking how awkward it felt to have everyone staring at me). He was so handsome, standing there in his black button up laughing at my little nephew who just kept saying "ball...ball..ball". 

During the ceremony, Derek's uncle told the story of how there was still a small chance we were related due to our grandparents living only blocks away from each other. 75 years later, their grandkids met in a different state through totally unrelated friends and the love story started. 

We said our vows, prayed with our family, and wept tears that Derek's dad (who passed away suddenly a few months before) was not able to be there with us. As the ceremony came to a close, I so clearly remember placing his dad's ring on his finger and just being blown away that this was actually happening. That was the same ring I frantically asked the nurses to find the night of his surgery. The same ring I wore on my finger those 5 months in the hospital. And the same ring that clinks against his wheels every day. Same ring. Same commitment. Same mushy feelings. 

Today, we celebrate our marriage and our commitment to each other. A commitment is a commitment, but don't you love when a commitment doesn't feel like a commitment? My commitment to being a great aunt is way more fun than committing to stay in semi-decent shape. Way more fun.

And that's how I will sum up my feelings about our 4 years together. It is a commitment that has felt more like getting to eat Oreos every night for dinner. 

With Love,

The Lavenders