Just over 14 years ago, I met the love of my life. We have been best friends and partners ever since. It’s easy on this day of love, roses, candy hearts, and lots of chocolates to reflect on what has really strengthened not only our marriage but also our strong friendship.

Eli and I have had ups and downs over the years, but we’ve managed to laugh and goof off throughout most of that time. I’m telling you that no one makes me laugh harder than Eli, and at least for me, laughter is pretty important. Our communication, devotion, and bond has grown stronger with each obstacle we have faced over the years. Early in our relationship I changed colleges. We had a long distance relationship for almost four years. At times this was difficult, but now I look back and giggle at our astronomical phone bills (sorry, Mom and Dad), our water fights in the car after visiting each other on the weekends, and how Eli could always somehow detect my mood over the phone without seeing my face (this drove me crazy).

Eli and I were married August 18, 2007. I remember thinking that we couldn’t be any closer. He was my best friend, my soul mate, my confidante.

The 2014-2015 year was about as hard as they come. Eli and I had two miscarriages, and there sure didn’t seem at the time much to giggle or laugh about. However, we grew unbelievably stronger. During both miscarriages, I curled up on our large ottoman at the foot of Eli’s chair (yes, he has a designated chair). He rubbed my back, brushed my hair off of my head, and did anything I needed. At a time when I didn’t think I could laugh again, we leaned on each other, watched the most awful, trashiest television show possible, and worked our way through that hurdle. We loved each other even more.

We began our adoption process in 2015. Boy, now at this time I thought there was really no way we could know more about one another. And of course, once again, I was wrong. Through this process, we were asked questions about each other, our backgrounds, the things we admire in one another, our weaknesses, etc. It was enlightening to see how your partner truly sees you through their eyes.

Throughout our relationship, our marriage, I’ve grown to love Elijah a little more every day. It’s the big and the little things. The moments when tears fill his eyes when he talks about what our life will be like with our future child/children (trust me, tears don’t happen often with Eli). It’s the times we laugh so hard about the dumbest things. It’s the dancing in the kitchen and running in the grocery store. I’m prepared and well aware that this journey may at times be tough, and love with bumps in the road can be simplex, but I know the journey will be great because we have one another.  This Valentine’s Day, the phrase “Be Mine” really holds a much more complex meaning.

~Chelsea