Celebrating Our 18th Anniversary In New York City

Last night my husband proposed to me. He'd just come home from work and he looked kind of cute to me. I ran my fingers through his salt and pepper hair and told him so. He looked me in the eyes and asked, "Would you marry me again?" I was breathless. Gray hair aside, his eyes are as blue as ever! I said, "Yes" and he pulled a box from his pocket. My engagement ring! It's been missing for some time, as it was in much need of repair. I do believe that even today I don't feel as if I've been married 18 years. I feel like I'm 18. Oh, what a little romance will do to this girl!
Of course, this comes at the tail end of three nights in New York City with our dear friends Donna and Troy VanLiere. (Yes, Donna is the New York Times best-selling author of The Christmas Shoes. If you've not read her other works—especially The Angels of Morgan Hill—check out her website right this minute. "Angels" should be on your summer reading list. www.donnavanliere.com) Back to my romantic story. You see, I realize that this butterfly feeling in my tummy is more than just the money spent on a ring lovingly presented. It comes of spending leisurely time with my husband for the past several days. It was so good to walk the streets of New York, sleep in, sip Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity and catch a couple of Broadway shows. We had nothing to do but enjoy each other and our friends. If you think this happens often, I'll send you a page from my planner. In fact, just a few weeks ago we were sitting in our pastor's office telling him how great but starved-for-time our marriage has been. Let me say it once again. Today I'm in dreamy numbness. I believe in marriage. I believe in commitment. But I'll never stop loving the love story. I'm a hopeful romantic.
I challenge you, if you are married, is to go on a date! Run your fingers through his hair. Sip something liquid together. Leave your cell phone at home. If you're starved-for-time, go on a weekend getaway. Can't afford it? You can't afford not to!
Now, if you'll excuse me, my Prince is coming home any moment!