Finding Faith ... in a remarkable and memorable 11th anniversary date

Eleven years and counting today. 

A blink, and so much has passed since our wedding 11 years ago on a beautiful June day, surrounded by so many family and friends.

Three kids have graduated and moved out. So many bedroom switches, up and down as kids grew up, left the house and others shifted. Kind of a like a live Tetris game.

A rescue dog moved in, stole our hearts, binded our family in the process, and passed over the Rainbow Bridge. And we can’t forget the cats and the other dogs. A horse even! 

So many sporting events and school plays and late night homework sessions.

How many loads of laundry and dishes washed?

How many colds, flus, ear aches and broken hearts?

It’s all a bit dizzying to think what has transpired since you said yes in our coffee shop that day.

Years ago I bought you the wood decorative piece that states: “You are my greatest adventure.” … That still remains true today. 

I was fortunate enough to spend all day Saturday with you on our anniversary, traversing some of the most beautiful land North Dakota has to offer. … (To the reader: Before you snicker at that statement, you must really spend some time around Ransom County. You won’t be disappointed!)

Hundreds of miles of back country roads and off the beaten track ranches and prairies and rolling hills.

Mirror Pool Wildlife Management Area, and all of its surprising gifts.

Inadvertently crashing an all-school reunion in Sheldon, N.D. … And a bump at Norman’s where the owner shared that she doesn’t stock “weird shit” when I ordered an IPA.

Abandoned churches and schools and farmsteads by the handful. An excellent burger and Philly steak sandwich in an Enderlin bar one might never expect it in.

Finding our way to a forgotten whistlestop named Buttzvile. Crisscrossing the Sheyenne River no less than two dozen times, providing jaw-dropping bridge views. Scenic prairie vistas that were indescribable. State forests and state parks.

A dozen history lessons, and countless new wonders. … And three dive bar stops in between it all to change things up and to wet our whistle! … What a remarkable and memorable anniversary date!

It seems that even 11 years into this journey, our adventures just continue to grow. And I am so very grateful for that. Thank you!

Happy anniversary Shel! I said in our vows that I had found my queen and my princesses to match my two princes, and that has never been more true than it is today. We have formed an amazing family, and we just continue to grow as the kiddos find their plus ones as well. 

I’m not sure how we’ll top this date on next year’s anniversary, but I’ll start planning!

Love you more than ever, Shel! Happy anniversary!