lucky guy, lovely girl

So, Lydia and I have just celebrated 16 years of marriage.

I don't think I have done anything steady for 16 years other than eat, drink and sleep! I am not known for my steadfast nature. A peek at my long resume will confirm this. So, for me, this is quite an accomplishment.

But, the real accomplishment is that we have made this thing work. I am more in love with this woman after 16 years than I was the day I proposed. How amazing is it when you take two unique and different (that's redundant, no?) people and make them one? How much of a miracle is that?

I know it is a miracle in our case. I came to the table not yet a man, even though I was 25! I was insecure, immature and directionless. How Lydia was able to hang in there I don't know. But she did and with grace. We have had our tough times, our stress and our disappointments - many caused by my attempts to find out who I am.

Through it all she hung tough. She has left family and country to be my wife. She has stood by me when no one else would. She believed in me when it looked like I didn't have a chance.

Next to entering God's family, she's the best thing that ever happened to me.

Lydia, you are amazing. Thank you.