36

My parents don't have a perfect marriage. I can recall hearing them argue during my childhood; "we're not arguing, we're discussing," as my mom would say. They are both imperfect people. They both make mistakes and apologize. I can just as easily recall those apology-moments from childhood too. Here's the point: my parents have never had a perfect marriage, but I also never, not even for a breath, questioned their love for each other. Their commitment.

My parents taught me how to clean my ears and set a table. They taught me persistence and a strong work ethic. They taught me lots of things. Through their relationship, they taught me that marriage is hard and that it is worth it. It is because of my parents that I believe in marriage. It is because of their commitment that I know you can come out the other side of a difficult time and have your heart once again skip a beat at the sight of your spouse.

I love Steve and Linda so darn much. If I met them at a party I'd want to hang out with them. Thankfully we've already been introduced. Happy [belated] 36th anniversary to my favorite duo.