Today we have been married for 2 years which is pretty exciting. Last year for our anniversary we went to park city, but this year was a little different. I had the stomach flu and Bryce had midterms meaning we celebrated with a romantic dinner of applesauce ;) But to be honest, marriage just keeps getting better!
I watched a video this week about a couple who had lost a baby early in their marriage, and while it was sad and hard, they were happy. They were happy because now they could say that they had experienced death together. It was a badge of honor they wore proudly. And I thought about that sentiment for a while. The best part about being married is you have a witness to the rest of your life. Someone to see the struggle, to dwell in the sadness and the triumphs with you as they come. Not every couple can say they have endured death together. Or on a much smaller scale, not every couple can say they have endured becoming doctors together but after this year now we can say that we have.
In any case, part of being human is having hardships. I really believe if we weren't experiencing the trials we are now, there would be something else. For example, all semester I was just waiting for it to be summer break, but now that its summer break I kind of miss going to school and learning things. Life is a challenge, but it is not meant to be an unconquerable one. This year, in both our cases I feel we have learned what it means when we say "in sickness and in health". While we haven't been dealing with health problems to the same degree that others in more severe circumstances are, they are still very real to us. And now we can say we have learned what it means to be sick together. Wearing it as a badge of honor really does just make it sound a little bit better, and when I think of the tender moments this year when we were able to care for each other, my heart just glows a little bit.
Looking at the hardships of marriage as an accomplishment brings perspective to me because it reminds me that the trials we go through are really for our good. They are meant to make us better. I am reminded that I chose Bryce because I knew he could teach me to be the person I wanted to become. While the trials we went through this year were hard and often not fun, most of what I remember was being incredibly happy. I remember going to bed giggling, cooking dinners together every night, and talking about what we learned in class that day . It makes me happy to know I am learning about the realities of life with Bryce by my side. The idea of learning together makes me excited for whatever life has to offer next because it is another opportunity to learn together about the mortal aspects of our human experience. Being able to endure together the emotions of this life, the disappointment, grief, joy and pain is a learning experience. It teaches us empathy and perseverance but most importantly it helps to develop our love to its deepest capacity. This life is not meant to just get through in one piece but also to make us the most whole we have ever been. More wholly connected to each other, to our selves, and to our God.
Bryce, I'm so grateful that you chose me and I chose you. I love learning with you. Here's to a million more years together!
