Insights Gained After 15 Years of Marriage

home insemination Kit

Updated: July 30, 2016
Originally Published: August 15, 2015

In our cozy living room hangs a sizable wedding photo, cleverly positioned above the love seat where my husband, Mike, often finds himself from about 9 to 10 PM—sometimes joined by a symphony of snores. More often than not, one or both of us catch ourselves gazing at those youthful faces captured in the frame. Wow, 15 years really brings some perspective! It’s hard to believe how young we looked back then. I remember setting our wedding date just a few days shy of my 26th birthday, convinced that was ancient for tying the knot!

Now, I’ve gathered some marriage wisdom along the way. We are busier than ever, constantly juggling alone time, couple time, quality moments with each kid, and family time, all while spending what feels like an eternity in the car or at work. Yet, there’s something uniquely special about this phase. It’s a realization I didn’t grasp back in that smoky bar where we first met: he’s my teammate. We hold each other accountable, share responsibilities, and sometimes even lift each other when the going gets tough. It’s us against the world—or at least us against the kids!

Looking at that wedding picture, I remember thinking I had it all figured out: I had snagged my dreamy blue-eyed guy, and the hard part was behind us. How naive that was! Getting married is easy—staying married, now that’s the real challenge. I should probably drop my parents a line to let them know I finally get what they were saying all those years ago. And let’s not forget the baggage that comes with 15 years of marriage—the kind of baggage only he truly understands.

We’ve had some incredibly tough moments where I honestly thought we couldn’t go on. There were days I envisioned packing up the minivan and the kids, ready to head out. But I stuck around, curious about what the next day would bring. And then there were those exhilarating highs when everything seemed to click. Fighting? Not us! We were all about understanding and communication—life was good!

As we step into year 16, I reflect on the myriad experiences that have shaped us. From chronic illnesses we never saw coming to the rollercoaster of infertility—each moment has left its mark. Now, when I glance at that wedding photo, I wish I could tell my 25-year-old self that the wedding was just the beginning of a journey that only Mike and I could fully appreciate.

There’s something magical about having a partner who knows you so well that you can trust them completely. Whether it’s about parenting choices, leaving a party early, or weekend plans, I have an ally who gets what I need. And he knows I’ve got his back—even if it means ushering our friends out by 10 PM on New Year’s Eve because that’s when he’s done socializing! We truly understand each other now, and liking each other? That’s a major bonus!

Sometimes, I think about how absurd it seems for people to marry in their twenties. I often wonder if those who wait longer might miss the opportunity altogether. Despite all the education and travel I had under my belt, nothing could’ve prepared me for the last 15 years. Maybe I’m being dramatic, but it’s been quite the adventure, and I’m excited to see what the next 15 years hold!

This article was originally published on August 15, 2015.

For more insights on family life, check out this blog post for some excellent tips. And for those curious about home insemination, Make A Mom offers a fantastic resource. Additionally, for great information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Facts About Fertility.

Summary:

Reflecting on 15 years of marriage brings a wealth of insights, from the challenges faced to the joys shared. As couples navigate life’s ups and downs, the importance of teamwork and mutual support shines through, proving that while the early years may seem daunting, they are just the beginning of a rich, shared journey.