Twenty Years and One Card

Twenty years ago today I said "I Do".  I married a man I knew for just over a year but felt I had known all my life.  Three children, 5 houses, 3 goldfish, 1 mouse (not including the ones who keep finding their way into our house) and one dog later we are still married. Even writing those last words takes my breath away.

Every year I do the song and dance around our anniversary.  How will we celebrate? What gift do I get for him?  What, if anything, will he get me?  Will we go out to dinner? Will I have to do the planning and make the reservations, again?

This year's anniversary, our 20th, seems like a monumental milestone.  I learned long ago, and many tears, "Don't you love me enough to at least go out and buy me a card?", later, not to expect a card.  I married a man who does not believe in greeting cards, does not believe in greeting card company-made celebrations, and rarely gives a card for special occasions. I have learned to relay on this and have learned to accept it - but life is unpredictable! 

Not only did I get a card, but my 51 year old, pretty predictable, husband MADE ME A CARD! Not a folded over piece of white paper with a scribbled note in Bic pen ink - but a card stock, scrap paper, cut out hearts and all the rest, Anniversary Card..

Just yesterday I said to my daughter if you don't have preset expectations in life - life has a better chance of surprising you.  "Be open minded when you have experiences", I told her.  I don't know if I was open minded when approaching our 20th anniversary, or just realistic, but I had no expectations and a simple, hand made, thoughtful card from my sometimes unpredictable husband is the best anniversary gift I have ever received. (That is unless I actually get that ipad I have been asking for at dinner)

Thanks Honey!
Magda