It was much much colder 17 years ago. Like so cold that when I stopped to wash the car after getting my hair done (at 7a.m.) that the gas station attendant looked at me like I was nuts and told me the wash was closed.
The day warmed up dramatically though; in the form of a wedding. The marriage of two people taking a pretty big leap of faith. Two people who had not even know each other a year. Two people who wanted a family but knew they were facing infertility. Two teachers, two Catholics, two big families, two open minds with liberal ideals. Lots of debt, plenty of worries, more unknowns than knowns. But there was love. And hope.
17 years later it is cold outside once again. There is snow on the ground and a cold wind is blowing. Inside a small brick tudor it is warm. There are two teenage girls sleeping in and oblivious to the sounds of chaos racing through the home. There are three little Haitians causing the chaos. They have been up since 6a.m. Quiet coffee time together is non existent for the happy couple.
The couple has amassed a new kind of debt; house and car payments, tuition and large grocery bills. House #2 is nearer to work but farther from perfect with its one bathroom and tiny garage. There is a wonderful master suite that is empty most often due to the family schedule.
The happy couple meets early as they race around to get everyone out the door. They meet late as they fall into bed after coordinating dinner, baths, homework, bed. Both money and time for a date night is scarce.
Knew knowns and unknowns have replaced those that began the marriage.
Except one, they know there is love. Love between a woman and her husband. Love in return. Love between 5 siblings who came together through a true a journey unique to them. Love between parents and children that is fierce and loyal with a sense of wonderment. A family that shares a special bond and love because they worked so hard and prayed so intensely and live with a gratitude deeper than most, because they are together and that was a certainty.
17 years of a journey that began when a shy school teacher asked a warm voiced actor out for coffee to discuss speech curriculum. Neither of them liked teaching speech. Neither of them knew what they were getting into. But love grew. And though there is room for improvement, that love still grows and that is what is really matters.
