ROUND TWO

(Sorry, this post is a little late..)

I can remember our discussions of deciding when to get married, the obstacles we'd face if we did so prior to the completion of our education, and the struggles we'd endure if we chose to wait. We were warned of the difficulty of our first year of marriage, but were encouraged that a strong focus on God would make all things possible. Some thought marriage would be a distraction from our studies, others thought Robbie would be just what I needed to survive the stresses. We knew our time together would be limited, but at least we could be next to each other at night.


So here we are.. celebrating our 2nd year anniversary, with big things happening and big things to come. We're both done with our formal educations, and we're taking on new titles/job responsibilities as we enter 2010!

As a graduation/anniversary gift, each of my siblings and their significant others gave us a certificate for a night out at the Sawgrass Mariott Golf Resort and Spa. It was just what we needed! So on our anniversary, we packed up our bags and headed up to Ponte Vedra from St Augustine via A1A, enjoying both wonderful scenery and conversation.


Robbie and I spent some time in the room prior to our dinner at 619 Ocean View. As we were out on the balcony, holding hands, I slipped off his wedding band and told him we really needed to get him a new one. (As a result of his Body For Life diet, he went down 1.5 sizes in his ring, and he often wouldn't wear it as it was continiously falling off.) Little did he know, I had purchased him a new one and rather than returning his old one to his finger, I slipped his new one on. As he glanced at his hand, he was completely caught off guard at what he saw. So I did what I intended to do - reclaim that man as mine! :)

Two years may be short to some or it may not even be reached by others, but Robbie and I celebrated with joy from the past and excitement for the future. Thank you, Danette, Eddie, Leanne, Michael, Jusin, Kim, Megan, and John for allowing us to have this time away. It was just what the Dr. ordered - no pun intended. :)

NO WORDS EXCEPT "THANK YOU"

Dear Mom and Dad,

You have provided me with an overwhelming amount of love and support and were a constant reminder of what I was going through then would be worth it now. Well once again, you were right! I cannot thank you enough for your emotional and financial assistance throughout graduate school.

Mom, your inspiring words as early as 6:15 in the morning were calming. You gave me courage at each written, oral, and practical exam as I knew you were praying for me at each of those exact moments. You took an interest in what I was learning and were one of the few who appreciated "all those big words". You found the "disgusting" things intriguing, the body's pathways fascinating, and the anatomy captivating. You were consistently engaged in my education and motivated me to keep pushing through each bump, obstacle, and every single tear. Thank you for being you.

Dad, your reassurance in my performance and reminder of God's presence gave me peace. Your confidence in me motivated me to do better. Your involvement in the little details was few, but your participation during the big events was influential. Your encouraging words made me emotional each time you spoke because it is during those times that there is a true sincerity in the tone of your voice that reaches my heart. Thank you for being you.


You have each been a huge part and reason for my success. It is because of the hands that raised me that has now allowed me to hold this in my hand.

I love you with all my heart - and even though it's not the biggest or strongest muscle in the body, it is the one that holds the biggest piece of you in my life!

Love always, your daughter

AN ENDING WITH A NEW BEGINNING

The time has come - I have completed my doctorate in Physical Therapy and Robbie has completed Paramedic school!

Dear Robbie,

I cannot thank you enough for being by my side throughout this process. I thank you for your encouragement, your strength, and your abundant patience. I know I was not easy to live with throughout these years, but somehow you were still able to make me feel loved. You tolerated my books and notes scattered throughout the house, many nights of tears due to fear of failure, my dirty dishes in the sink, laundry on the floor, and my stress induced short fuse. Thank you for redirecting my focus from the negative to the positive.

Additionally, I want to congratulate you on all of your accomplishments! If you think about it, you have been through more programs than I have - Criminal Justice, EMT, Firefighting, and Paramedic school. So what if it's not a doctorate.. but I consider "Hero" a higher title. :) Robbie, you go after what you want and excel at everything that you do. You have made yourself who you are. I respect you for your trust in the One who makes all things possible and for being the leader in our household. Thank you for your strong commitment to us. I could name a hundred more reasons why I chose you and why I love you, but there is one that is obvious to all:

They get me everytime! I love you, Robbie, and am excited about all the other great things God has planned for us!

~ Love, Me