Seventeen years ago today I married my best friend and embarked on the great adventure that is marriage. There has not been a single day that has passed where my husband hasn't told me that he loves me. I am a lucky to have a man who makes me feel so valued and loved; who accepts me for everything I am and has never tried to change me (and who does more than his fair share of housework!). I've known Ian since my early teens and his existence is so entrenched into my own life, I cannot remember what it was like without him by my side. We share so many memories of being at school, growing up in sunny Slough and having mutual friends. He's knows everything about me, and still loves me. No secrets, no lies.
Together we have celebrated our family. We have watched our eldest three grow into wonderful adults and have welcomed two more children into the fold. Our five kids are our greatest blessing and our biggest achievement. They make us so proud every single day. Joe has got his own life in Northampton with a successful career and a little boy who he adores. He is an amazing dad. Megan is doing fantastically well as she pursues a career in film production and has already worked with John Hurt on a feature film! Her ambition, dedication and drive is inspirational. Ella is about to sit her A'Levels and will be off to university this September to study criminology. She is so talented and so very lovely. Kizzy is our beautiful, fashion loving girl who is due to start secondary school after the summer. Her sense of humour and fun keeps us all smiling. Freddy is such a breath of fresh air in our family, a whirling dervish of mischief with a heart of gold (when it suits him!). I look at them and know that if I were to achieve nothing more in my lifetime, I would still feel accomplished. I am so grateful to have had Ian with us, every step of the way.
I love my marriage. I love feeling a part of something that is greater than the sum of its parts. I feel safe. I feel whole. Being a wife and a mother is an honour. It's been my salvation. I look forward to the future as we face all the challenges to come together as a team.
I can't believe that we've been together for twenty years and married for seventeen years. I guess we're probably classed as a middle aged couple now! But as long as we can still laugh and have fun and enjoy the blessings of our family life, then the next decades will be every bit as wonderful (in spite of our advancing years!)
Happy Anniversary Ian. My husband. I love you. xxx
