First Anniversary

My hair was swept up into an intricate winding collection of curls pinned to my head.  Nestled within the curls was a broach that belonged to my Great Grandmother, three generations before me.  When I close my eyes I can see the folds of the white dress that fell just right tapering out towards the ground. The blues, greens and whites of the flowers blend together in my mind like a brilliant watercolor.  I can hear voices of family and friends, a calm excitement that filled the air.  The sky was a brilliant blue and I remember a bright sun high in the sky...

With such vivid images and memories, it's hard to believe that almost one year has swept by.  One year seems like a significant amount of time and it is.  But by the same token, one year can pass by so quickly sometimes it's hard to take in all that happened. 

So on Sunday it will officially mark our First Anniversary.  We made it.  For us the first year included leaving our jobs, moving to a new state, and working alongside one another... triple whammie.  With such immense change applied to our lives, I admit, at first I was a bit apprehensive of what the year would bring.  No doubt, I knew it would be an adventure, but how would it all unfold? With 360 of the 365 days now in the past, I can say in complete and utter honesty - It has been nothing short of wonderful. 

Thinking about a year gone by always makes me think about a year ahead.  What will it bring? What new things will be discovered?  What experiences will be lived? In looking back and reflecting on the past, I always find I have new sense of awe and wonderment for what is to come.  One year ago I remember feeling the anticipation of such a momentous occasion which was only five days away - my wedding day.  In all honesty, I had a picture of what the day might look like, but really wasn't sure what to expect.  What unfolded was a dream transformed to reality.  Beautiful colors and sounds, so many familiar faces and all around an unforgettable experience.  I'm not sure I could have ever truly anticipated the emotion that was felt and all that the day encompassed.

I suppose it is virtually impossible to know a feeling or emotion or what something will actually be like until it is experienced.  I'll always look back on that day, almost a year ago, and relish in the beautiful and intoxicating memories - thinking of those, I can't wait for what is to come.