One. Un. Uno. Eins. один. 1.

The Art of Marriage, by Wilfred Peterson

The little things are the big things.

It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have wings of an angel.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

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One year ago today, I married my best friend. In front of a group of 80 friends and family, we exchanged vows of love and devotion. We promised to love and cherish one another. To encourage and inspire. To stand by the other in times of struggle. Not just for that day, but for the rest of our lives.
It was the most beautiful, perfect day. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, the mountains framed our setting, birds were singing, a light breeze lifted my veil and as cheesy as it all sounds, it was the best day of my life. I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more. Everything went by in a blur and it's incredible how quickly I forgot about the little details. But, I do remember the feeling of overwhelming happiness. As I said, it could not have been more perfect.
Today, a year later, I am even happier--if that's even possible. This past year has been full of ups and downs. But it has been amazing and I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I am more in love with my husband today than I was a year ago, which I also never thought could be possible. If the first year has been any indication of what the rest of our marriage will be like, I'll gladly accept it with open arms.
To Matt: You are my rock. The calm in the middle of our storm. You love me for me. I love you for the little things just as much as I do for the big things. You have taught me that the little things are the big things. You know me. And I know you. There is no one else I would rather grow old and wrinkly with. And raise a family with. You recognize that our life is far from perfect, but you accept it and make the best of it. I love you. Here is to a great first year and many, MANY more to come.