16 years ago today I was tricked into stopping by the Christmas light show at the Founders Inn. There I was met by a flash mob comprised of holiday-sweater-wearing college friends, my students and their parents, fellow church members, and my sister all belting out brand-new lyrics to The 12 Days of Christmas. On the “twelfth day” Adam burst from the cold December night through the double doors with much fanfare as he crooned, “Kerry, will you marry me?
I’m following his lead by sharing 12 ways my true love has made me very happy I said “yes” on that cold December night in 1996.
1. He balances the bank account. That task makes me want to poke out my eyeballs.
2. Instead of just plopping down to watch game after game of football, he asks me if there is anything else I would like for us to do together first. Even though I’m sure he’d like to watch more, he limits himself for my sake.
3. Hannah, Luke, and Levi. I hope they understand what a wonderful gift they have in their daddy.
4. That man has massaged my shoulders countless times to help relieve my migraines.
5. During “crunch time” (when I’m already frazzled and still have to make dinner) he saves my sanity by keeping the kids occupied.
6. When I was at my most vulnerable after several operations in one year, feeling so self-conscious about scars and what-not, he made me feel beautiful.
7. In that same year of physical challenges, he tended to me in ways that would make the faint of heart cringe and send many husbands running for the hills. He meant that promise, “in sickness and in health.”
8. He doesn’t have hobbies. I’ve encouraged him to try different things, but he always says he’d rather spend time with us. I can’t tell you how important that makes me feel.
9. He’s a really good forgiver. I give him lots of practice.
10. When my mom was dying I didn’t even have to ask if she could move in with us so we could help care for her. He just made plans to rearrange furniture because it was already in his heart to love her to her last breath.
11. Every morning he tip-toes around in the dark so that I can catch a few more winks of rest before we have breakfast together. I didn’t even ask him to do that.
12. This blog is the direct result of his encouragement. He wants me to grow in grace, so he shows me how that’s done and then gives me room to fail and succeed.
My dear Grizzly Adam, I could never deserve you, but my love for you deepens with each passing year.
I’d keep him if I were you ;). We’ve both been blessed with wonderful husbands!
You know it, girl! They’re stuck with us for the long haul. ;-)
Awe! So many of your 12 are exactly my 12. Those Adams are good men! Love y’all bunches!!
Amen! Love you all, too. So excited to hear your adoption updates!
Aww, so sweet! And you look just like your mom in that photo. Merry Christmas to the Messer family!
That makes me happy, Amy! Merry Christmas to you and your crew, as well. I’m so happy for you!
I loved reading this. Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family. I hope that tickets to Portland are in your stocking : )
tickets to Portland sounds like a FANTASTIC idea. I’m only like 10 minutes from the airport, just sayin’.
I can’t believe it’s been 16 years. I remembered how much I loved your dress and how pretty you looked in it, and I was so happy to be a part of your special day! Good thing you ditched the ghetto pumpkin head, because you ended up with one great guy.
Let me know what time your flight comes in ;)
Happy new year! x
You, too, Ting! Your blog is so lovely and full of beautiful photography. =)
what a beautiful post! And what a rockin’ proposal. :)