A couple of weeks ago Tom and I celebrated our five year anniversary by renting a jet ski and hitting the lake. We had a blast, laughed until we were gitty and smiling until our cheeks hurt. We sped out to the water crib, and took turns driving, ending by taking a dip in the lake. It was SOOOO much fun. I think there is more of an adrenaline junky in my than I realized! At one point I was driving, I was trying to go as fast as I could, but kept getting freaked out, and thus making some jerky movements. I was laughing uncontrollably, and Tom was laughing at my delight.  After I had slowed a bit, Tom, who had been holding on to my waist the whole time laid his head and chest on my back in a hug. I felt this incredible love- a “Man I love this girl” type feeling. It felt so fresh, so new. 

Cleveland from past the water crib- (Cleveland gets all its fresh water from here- yum!)

Check out the rear view mirror!

This outing reenforced my belief that strong relationships are created. If Tom and I want to have this joyous deep friendship all our lives we’re going to have to go out of our way to create memories together and have shared experiences. As I was reviewing the past five I found that most of the years had one event or another that stood out to distinquish the year from others: a trip abroad, a year of renovation, a new baby. However, there was one year (our third married) that had been consumed by higher education and therefore had passed somewhat uneventfully, at least looking back a few years later. It made me want to assure that each year had its defining memory. 

I feel so blessed to have Tom in my life. I feel strongly that God placed him in my path to marry. We could have easily never met, easily never dated. Everytime people ask, “How did you and Tom meet” I’m reminded of this. We met here in Ohio- both of us far from home, we didn’t attend the same school or the same ward, we lived an hour apart. I believe our union was divinely inspired. I’m so grateful that Tom was patient enough to wait three years for me. I’m grateful he continues to be patient with me. I’ll admit to wondering if Tom was “good enough” for me when we were dating. And now I wonder how he ever considered me “good enough” for him. I love you Tom. You amaze me, you inspire me. Thanks for five great years, here’s to a trillion more!