As we dance, laugh, and sing our way into the New Year, I find myself bursting with energy about how this year will transpire. This year marks the 10 year anniversary for a few moments in my life and I am grateful for how this journey has gone.
This year I will renew my expiring passport with my married name. 10 years ago in the cold New England months, I received my passport with excitement for the summer trip to Europe that I was planning. I had not planned to get married that year, but life took a turn for me that was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Seems kinda silly as I read this back to myself, but the significance of having the same last name as your husband and being 1 family, means so much to me.
This year I will return to Europe with my husband for 10 days to commemorate each year we have been married. 10 years ago I was going to complete graduate school in August and take off the next day for a month long trip through France, Italy, Greece (they were hosting the Olympics), and Spain. I completed graduate school, hopped on a plane, but did not last the month planned, as I was 12 weeks pregnant and was missing comfort things. However, my husband did squeeze in a proposal under the Eiffel Tower, so I hope he does it again.
This year I will run a half marathon and possibly a full marathon! 10 years ago I started training for a Marathon after being inspired watching the Marathon runners down Boylston Street. Previous years, I had worked the infamous Boston Marathon/Opening Day, near Fenway Park, not realizing the excitement and thrilling experience that is our Boston Marathon. In 2004, I worked at bar right on Boylston Street and after the race, clearly remember walking down Newbury Street, observing the faces of the Marathon runners as the sense of accomplishment consumed them. I want that and need that 10 years later.
This year I will help each of our children grow and learn in the ways that they need. 10 years ago I remember the fear of being pregnant so young and not knowing if I could be responsible for such a small precious gift. I wanted to teach my unborn child everything I knew about gratitude, love and life and wanted to learn along side him about things in life that I was not taught. It has been an amazing journey being these 3 kids mother and I know we will continue to grow that love of learning together this year.
This year I will reaffirm my love for my rock, my lobster, my husband. 10 years ago he looked at me with such joy and excitement about the baby we had created together. His unwavering and solid ability to believe in me, trust me and move forward when things did not go exactly as we thought they would have has been the strength I have needed to find more strength within myself. I will be forever grateful.
Ten years. Seems like yesterday all of these things happened. Happy to be here. At peace with the present and looking forward to how the next Ten Years will go.
