Then
As I sat down, putting the finishing touches on my makeup and hair and getting my dress ready for one of the biggest nights of my life, I had anxious butterflies in my belly. You see, the boy I liked had asked me to prom. I was feeling all the typical teenage girl feelings—giddy, elated, nervous. He pulled up in his red Honda Prelude, and my heart skipped a beat. The moment he grabbed my hand as he came through the door, I knew somehow this was right. That this was the only hand I would ever hold this way. I felt calm, at ease, and so unbelievably happy he chose me. I had no idea it was the beginning of something incredible. Even though we were so young, we were better together.
Our Wedding Day
I sat down and looked at my reflection in the mirror. My hair and makeup were perfect, and I glanced at the gorgeous white dress hanging over the bed. I had never felt so beautiful and loved. I still had those butterflies in my belly, and I was feeling giddy, elated, and nervous all at once. The boy I loved had asked me to marry him. As I walked down that aisle, looked into his eyes, and felt him grab my hand when I got to the end, I knew it was right. It was meant to be. He chose me to love every single day, for better or worse, for the rest of our lives. We said those sacred words, and we vowed to be better together.
Today
As I look in the mirror, the makeup is gone and the hair is up in a messy bun. No dress in sight, instead replaced by some yoga pants and his old t-shirt. I’m a little softer; a little more worn around the edges. I’m still feeling the butterflies in my belly when I think of the man that has captured my heart for so many years. This morning, when he grabbed my hand, kissed me, and said goodbye before he left for work, I knew it was right. I looked down and saw the beautiful baby girl sleeping soundly next to me. I heard the sweetest voice of my little boy say, ‘Mommy, can I come in bed with you?’ as he poked his head around the door. Our love created these two extraordinary lives. Not only did this man choose me to love every day of our lives, he made me a Mama, and all four of us are better together.
Tomorrow
Never in a million years did I think I would marry the first boy who stole my heart, but he was meant for me. One day, our skin will be wrinkly and weathered, like gently worn leather, and our hair will have turned gray. But I know he’ll be sitting right next to me on the porch, holding my hand as we watch our grandkids play. Our lives are far from perfect, the road may sometimes get bumpy, but I know in my heart, God has blessed me with the person that will love me unconditionally through it all because we’re always better together.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Mari Ebert. You can follow her journey on Instagram, Facebook, and her website. Submit your own story here and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.
Read more from Mari here:
Every Mom Deserves (And NEEDS!) A ‘Momcation’
‘But Mommy, can you try to listen to me too?’: Mom shares important reminder on validating children
Being A Mom Is The Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Done — Loving You Is By Far The Easiest
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