When we look back on these years, what will we say?

Will we say we were crazy? Because sometimes it feels like we have taken on a lot. Building careers and raising babies. Passing ships, as one gets the kids dressed in the morning, and the other loads them up for school. I’ll be home late, and I have to leave early tomorrow morning. I forgot to tell you, I can’t remember, when were we supposed to do that? perpetually leaving our lips. Trying to squeeze it all in when there is nothing else that can fit.

When we look back on these years, what will we say?

Will we say it was worth it? The long nights, the early mornings. The missed vacations, and meager date nights. The space between us in bed, filled up with tiny little toes and cuddly bodies. Sign ups for swim and soccer. Practices three times a week, games on Saturdays. Little savings, but big smiles on Christmas. A house full to giggles, and toys, and finger prints caking the windows.

When we look back on these years, what will we say?

Will we say we missed each other? Wrinkles and softer skin that sneaks up. Just noticing the hair cut you got last week. A touch that we barely feel. Let’s hurry before the baby wakes up. Date nights spent talking about how much we love the kids that we thought we needed time away from. Moments we were in different chapters of the same book, trying to get on the same page. The feeling when we find each other again.

When we look back on these years, what will we say?

I think we will look over at one another, and just smile for a bit. Maybe out of exhaustion, maybe to just enjoy the silence. Then I think I will hug you and thank you. Although how could words do that? Thanking someone for being your partner through it all. For being the eyes, you stare into as you walked down the aisle. The hand you held as you saw your children for the first time. The one who put up with your sleep deprivation, and foul words at 3 a.m. The hug you needed at drop-off their first day of school, the voice reassuring you that you aren’t messing it all up. The encouragement to go after that dream, and the soft place to land when life unraveled.

When we look back on these years, I think we will say we wouldn’t have changed them, not a single one.