Anniversaries

The law of opposition is alive and well in my life, as evidenced by the anniversaries I celebrate this day.

21 years ago, I married my David in the Salt Lake temple. I was staying at my aunt's house and I woke so early that morning after not sleeping all that well so that I could get ready to go to the temple. My mom helped me with my hair and then she and my dad and I drove to Salt Lake. I was so nervous, and then so relieved to see David there and put my hand in his. It has remained there all these years.

Our marriage was christened first thing with a choice to laugh or cry when a flock of seagulls flew over us while we were taking pictures on the steps of the temple and decided to unload (think: poop). We both looked at each other and knew we had a choice to make; we decided to laugh. It was an excellent decision and one we have made many times since.

David is the constant in my life. My friend, helpmeet, lover, and soulmate. In times of joy or sorrow, my first thought is to turn to him. He is a gem of a man and I am a blessed woman.

Opposition: one year ago today, I sat in a room at hospice house, listening to the labored breathing of my mom. When I arrived that morning, I went straight to her and said, "I love you, Mom." She said, "I love you." A few hours later, that breathing changed, and then she was gone. Home to that God who gave her life.

I sank to my knees by her bed with a crush in my chest unlike anything I've known.

How do you go on without your mother? With great difficulty. And by remembering how she would have wanted you to live your life: with joy, with courage, with love.

So today, I will celebrate my husband and my marriage and remember the love of my mother.

Knowing joy because I've known sorrow.