Over the past few months, I’ve watched a home on my street undergo an extensive makeover and expansion. It received a new deck, elegant windows, fresh siding, and a newly paved driveway. It was hard not to notice the flurry of activity as insides were gutted and a dumpster collected the remnants of what was.
It sat on the market briefly before a family scooped it up. Just yesterday as I was carrying groceries home, I noticed the first car in the driveway and the lights turned on for the first time.
This house became symbolic for me of the many transformations I have witnessed while living on this very street in Montclair as the seasons changed and warm summer nights transitioned into cool fall afternoons.
Today Bryan and I celebrate our three-year anniversary. When I think back on when we first moved in together just over a year ago and how shaky those first few months were, I’m reminded of the many ways we slowly built our own foundation. There were so many times I think we both were ready to throw in the towel and wave the white flag.
It was hard. We bickered, pushed buttons and boundaries.
And yet when friends would ask how things were going, my expression would involuntarily soften.
I loved this man.
(Even though I sometimes wanted to punch him.)
We’ve learned how to communicate and respect each other’s space and coping mechanisms. We are still learning. I don’t suppose that ever stops, does it?
Watching a home transform from the sidelines adds perspective to the many minor details that go into creating a solid foundation, and I’m grateful to have lived through the ugly so I can truly appreciate a good thing.
To my rock and my soul—I love you to the moon and back. Happy anniversary, my sweet.
Happy anniversary, guys! Xoxo
Always seems amazing how fine the line can be between love and hate.
John’s cousin told me something once that has always stuck with me. She said “I adore my husband. Some days I almost can’t stand how much I love him and all I want to do is kiss him and tell him how great he is. Other days he drives me nuts and I just want to smash his face into the plate while we eat dinner. That’s marriage.” They’ve been happily married for 20 years. So it sounds to me like you and Bryan are on the right track. Happy Anniversary.
Congrats, you guys! I can totally relate to this, as I feel Tom and I have been through the same process, on the brink of the dumpster… but we press on, because we love in a way that stands apart from the past.
You guys are an inspiration. May you enjoy many decades more. XOXOXOXO
It’s amazing the roller coaster of emotions a relationship can experience…as long as we remember the love–and the laughter 🙂 Happy anniversary!
Gotta say I’m a little teary eyed reading this. Happy anniversary to you both!
Happy Anniversary! I have enjoyed following your story from the beginning. Wishing you many happy years together!
To the moon and back…my favourite way of saying I love you more than life and cherry cheesecake and cookies and back massages.
Happy Anniversary 🙂
PS. Isn’t it funny how the world changes around you? I notice the same things in our hood. xoxo
Happy Anniversary to you guys Charlotte!! Hopefully another year under your belt will make the next one easier right? 😛 You’re right that it takes the ugly to appreciate the beauty – once you do spot the good, it’s hard to call it quits even if you are in a ball of fury! Have a great one and wishing you many more years of happiness together! Have a great one Charlotte -Iva
Such a great analogy! Happy Anniversay!
I always forget that you live in Montclair, where my sister used to live! I love that city. (town?)
Congratulations to you, and a Happy Anniversary! I feel like it’s rare to be so self-aware of a relationship.
relationships are tough! i always feel like the ones who sugarcoat it are the ones who end up breaking up or getting divorced. don’t stop being real and true. it’s not all roses 😉
3 years already? Happy Anniversary! 🙂
Congratulations on 3 years! Remember to keep working and keep loving him. The more love you give the more you get in return.
Has it really been 3 years already? Happy anniversary to you two lovebirds! I couldn’t agree more. Relationships take time to build that strong foundation, and they are worth all of that hard work.