June 27, 2009, marked the happiest day of my life. The sun shone brilliantly, yet nothing could compare to the warmth in my heart as I prepared to say “I do” to my best friend and soulmate.
Instead of exchanging traditional wedding gifts, we chose to give each other a heartfelt present—our words. We promised to write letters and have them delivered at the church on our wedding day. As I read the words from my soon-to-be husband, tears streamed down my face. His message was filled with love and sincerity. He knew me better than anyone and his affection was immeasurable. Together, we felt invincible, ready to take on the world.
Yet, somewhere between our wedding day and welcoming our second child, we lost sight of each other. Life, with all its ups and downs, swept us into a whirlwind. We faced losses, welcomed new life, dealt with job changes, and navigated financial struggles. Though we continued to say “I love you,” we were merely co-existing, living in the same space yet feeling like strangers.
The turning point came unexpectedly. One moment, my husband was kissing me goodbye, and just hours later, the word “divorce” was echoing in our home. It was surreal how we had devolved from being inseparable companions to merely functioning as two machines—me managing the household and him bringing in the income.
As a private individual, my husband contrasted sharply with my open nature as a blogger. What I’m about to share is deeply personal yet relatable to many couples: we decided to separate. For the first time in nine years, I was without my best friend. It was shocking. How did we reach this point? What had become so unbearable that we couldn’t share the same space? The emotional turmoil left me gasping for breath, overwhelmed with tears and questions.
In the nearly two weeks apart, we rediscovered the love that had initially brought us together. Love is easy in good times, but when life gets complicated with children and responsibilities, it can be tested. I refuse to blame children for marital strife, nor do I credit them for happiness. Marriage is hard work, and it must remain a priority—otherwise, your best friend can feel like a stranger, which is a terrifying realization.
We addressed our issues directly and decided that life together was infinitely better than apart. We are a team, after all. No one understands me like my husband does, and vice versa. The challenges we faced were not insurmountable.
Reflecting on our wedding day, my late grandmother’s words echoed in my mind: “Marriage Takes Three.” Putting God at the center of our relationship is essential for weathering any storm. It’s ironic how couples often profess vows based on faith yet leave God behind. He is our creator and the ultimate guide for nurturing our relationship.
To keep our bond strong, we committed to dating each other again. No excuses! Can’t find a babysitter? Light some candles for a romantic dinner after the kids are asleep. Look into each other’s eyes as you did on your wedding day. The love my husband expressed then still resonates today.
We need to view our spouse as our best friend. When we first met, that friendship was the foundation of our romance. Unfortunately, we lost that along the way. Friends share their struggles, and it’s crucial to trust and confide in each other, not hide things like financial stress or bad days. Your spouse can handle the truth, but secrets can be damaging.
I’m not an expert; I’m just a wife who cherishes her best friend and wants to keep that bond alive. Will we face challenges again? Absolutely! Life will present new mountains to climb, but I believe we will conquer them together. I wish the same for you and your partner.
If you’re interested in exploring ways to build your family, consider checking out resources like this article on home insemination kits and this guide on understanding the IVF process. For those looking to take a hands-on approach, you can explore options like this home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo.
In summary, our journey reminds us that love is a commitment that requires effort and prioritization. By nurturing our relationship and viewing each other as best friends, we can overcome any obstacle.
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