Happy Anniversary (??)

August 9, 2003.

I married my best friend that day. 

Then, in 2004, we traveled to Branson, MO for our first anniversary.

In 2005, Jackson was only 2 weeks old, so we went to dinner and left Jack with Aunt Jami and Uncle Jason (I had to pump in the car to and from dinner, and our dinner was limited to the amount of time I had between pumping).  Oh, the joys of a breastfeeding mom! 

In 2006, we went to Dallas.  It was our first night away from Jackson.  He did fine.  So did Mommy.  (Daddy, however, wasn't too sure about the whole thing)!

In 2007, we stayed at a Bed & Breakfast in OKC, and just took a mini vacation in the city.

In August 2008, we went back to Dallas and stayed at an amazing resort, relaxed and had a wonderful time.

Chris died 3 weeks later.

So, our anniversary in 2009...this was one of those "firsts"...I wasn't sure what to do or where to go.  I knew I didn't want to sit around crying...it was on a Sunday, which made it a hard day to plan anything.  I ended up going to Melting Pot with 'the girls'.

So, this year on the anniversary, I planned a getaway.  I escaped to Abeline, TX and had a girls' weekend.  In all honesty, I almost forgot it was our anniversary!  I had so much fun!!  Then...I woke up on Monday morning.  I woke up and read a facebook post of a friend who has the same anniversary as we did.  "I've been married to my best friend for 7 years..."  And there it was.  Today is my anniversary.  And, then the tears came.  I was a guest in someone elses' home and there I was bawling like a baby.  My wonderful, relaxing trip, somehow faded.  An anniversary without my best friend.

As I got ready to get on the plane, I received a phone call.  It was from the director of the Cemetery where Chris' remains are.  Tom told me "Mrs. Johns, we finally have the etching done on Chris' marker.  I hope you're pleased with it.  It looks beautiful." 

Really, Tom?  On my anniversary? 

Happy Anniversary, Sweet Chris.  I love you.