15 Years Together

Today 15 years ago, I married the love of my life. On our first slow dance at our wedding reception, we whispered in each other’s ear promising to stay together no matter what. Our vow had been put to test in the past decade and a half.

In the beginning of our relationship, we were madly in love. After the honeymoon period, reality kicked in. Our marriage struggled. Even when our relationship had faced uncertainties, we had not walked away.

As our family grew, we struggled together as parents. We are blessed to have four healthy boys, but the challenges never stop. Even when faced with turbulences, we managed to navigate our way through. With our kids and everything we had built together, walking away was no longer an option. There were times, I tried to imagine what my life would be like without my wife, and possibly without my boys, but just the thought alone made me miserable. I need my wife and my family.

Being together for 15 years is a milestone. Writing this post and reflecting on our marriage are my ways of celebration. Each year, I took a look at our wedding webpage and made changes. I revised my writing, redesigned the layout, and changed the typesetting. This year, I put together a gallery to include photos from the morning ceremony to the afternoon photoshoot to the evening reception. I am not sure why it took me 15 years to do it.

In the last few years, our relationship had improved. I appreciate all the things my wife had done to keep our marriage alive. I hope I had done my part as well. As we continue our journey through life, we will face more tumultuous times. As long as we continue to hold our hands together and won’t let go, we will make it through the next 15 and 30 years. I will always keep my promise from our first dance with the song we picked together:

Even if it rains daily, I want to walk with you till the end of life
Even if dark clouds or storms are gathering, I long to be at your side
Even if it’s windy and biting cold, or the roads muddied with snow
Even if the leaves are falling, sad and desolate…
Even if whatever… Whatever happens…, I Will Still Love You…

I am here to stay.