A very happy anniversary, indeed.

My husband does not read this blog. But, I feel compelled to write this post anyway.

Five years ago today, I stood in the church full of hope and optimism for our future. Just 5 days earlier, you came to my house and asked me to marry you on Friday. It was so unlike your planned and detailed personality. I didn't even know if you were serious. You were. Your unit had been activated and we had both agreed that we wanted to be married before you left. With this new development, if we got married now, we could spend some time together as husband and wife. If we waited for official orders, we could have as little as 48 hours before you would ship out. I said, "Let me think about it." Then I called you and said, "Yes...Let's do it!" Calls to our family and some friends, a rushed dress alteration and a cake were made and we were all set. I wasn't even nervous. I had stars in my eyes.

Year one brought trials and difficulties as we began to unpack all the emotional bags we brought with us from our previous years.

Year two brought much prayer and healing.

Year three came with a pregnancy and a new baby, with a renewed hope for the future. We believed God for a new job for you allowing me to resign from my position. And we received news of an impending deployment.

Year four came with many adjustments as we lived apart for 2/3 of it. This year made me appreciate you in ways I never had. We adjusted to parenthood in separate parts of the country.

And year five may have been the toughest one yet. Loving you from 8000 miles away all the while knowing you were in harm's way challenged me in ways I didn't expect. I quickly learned that I couldn't be your comfort in the difficult times. I had to trust God to do that.

But, each lesson has brought me closer to our God and closer to you. I love you more today than I did five years ago. I respect you in ways I never have before.

I look forward to what year six has to bring. What ever it is, I look forward to facing it together.

Thank you for being a loving man, husband and father.

I love you.