Three years ago, I married my partner, lover and friend.
In just three short years, we have experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
A month and a half after we got married, my father-in-law underwent heart surgery for a congenital heart defect. He made it through with flying colors and today is better than ever, but this was a very emotional time for us as newlyweds.
A month later, both of my parents died of carbon monoxide poisoning while living and working as educators in Tunis, Tunisia. My husband was amazing during this, the saddest and most confusing time in my life. He took my younger sister and I under his wing and helped us plan a double funeral, a trip to Tunisia and navigated us through countless decisions regarding their estate.
During this time I could not give him what he gave me and I will forever be grateful. He listened and held me and encouraged me to do whatever I needed in order to adjust to my new “normal”.
While I walked into walls for nine months trying to keep my wits about me and a career I loved, we decided that the best thing for me to do would be to leave my job as a marketing manager to focus on my grief, settle my parents estate, spend time with family and start planning a family of our own.
With hope in our hearts, just 10 months later, we welcomed to the world our son Lucas. Our pride and joy and new reason for living.
In three years, we have made our house a home, taken wonderful trips together, cried together, laughed together, fought like cats and dogs, grown stronger as a couple and as individuals and made two three. We recently suffered a miscarriage but are slowly, but surely bouncing back stronger than ever. I can’t wait to see what our future holds.
A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year. – Paul SweeneyI am so lucky to have found this incredible man to go through life with. A man that makes my toes curl and my blood boil; makes me laugh, makes me think and forces me *kicking and screaming* to be the best version of myself. He is a wonderful father and a good person.
I don’t say it enough, but I appreciate everything you do for me and us and I love you. Happy Anniversary, Todd. xoxo
The best is yet to be.
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Aw, Tonya. This is beautiful. You know, I think the measure of a person can be found in how they handle a situation, like the tragic death of your parents. That he not only shepherded you through that time, but was there for your sister, says so much about the fabulous dad he'll be, too.
Congrats to you guys. 🙂
First, happy anniversary! Second, you are so sweet and touching, and I'm all obnoxious with my bachelorette party anniversary post!
Hot damn, you've lived a lot of life in three years. Which is kind of how it should be. Happy anniversary to two lovely people.
Happy Anniversary to you both! What a touching tribute to your hubby, and I hope he reads your blog. You have been through more in your short married years than most of us will in 50. Hug each other, hug your little guy, and enjoy you day…you've earned it!
Happy Anniversary. This is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful husband.. but remember he married a wonderful woman too.
Glad u wrote that Midwestern Mama Holly! I was thinking the exact same thing! Happy Third Anniversary to you both! All my love! XOXOX : )
Happy Anniversary! I love your post and the way that you described everything that happens within a marriage. And that quote is fantastic.
Happy 3rd Anniversary Tonya and Todd! You are a lovely couple and family. Have a beautiful day!
Sending lots of love your way xoxo
Happy Anniversary Tonya. I hope you two continue to love and support each other. You've been through so much so early in your marriage, which I'm sure has made you the couple you are today. You looked gorgeous on your wedding day.
Happy Anniversary! What an awesome post. Loved it. We are married for 5 years and went through a lot too. Congratulations again and wish you guys all the best for the next years! 🙂
Happy anniversary! Finding a partner in life is a huge accomplishment…finding one that's awesome too? Is amazing. 🙂 Congrats!
Aww – so loving!
I meant every word! So blessed to have found the “right” guy the second time around. 🙂