Happy Anniversary, verse #2

Happy Anniversary….

You were there with me
when our children were born and as they grew into adulthood,
building their own lives and starting their own families.
You were there with me
through financial hardships that left our future uncertain
and in prosperous times.
You were there with me
when we realized that marriage is not a ceremony or a honeymoon
but a series of days that add up to years filled with
daily household chores and laughter,
cars leaking oil and a baby’s first steps,
goodbye kisses and good morning smiles,
monthly bills and flowers that bloom every spring
and remain, brightening even the warmest summer day.
You were there with me,
teaching me to be strong,
showing me the happiness that can be found
in the most common of moments,
in the most ordinary of days.
You were there with me,
beside me through it all.
And, as another milestone passes by,
I know that the joy and the laughter have
far outweighed the struggles we’ve faced together
and I know that we made it through the hard times because
You were there with me.