The Best Two Years

This week, Andy and I celebrated our second anniversary. As many of you have read below, this anniversary was not only unique, but very special. By the time our third anniversary comes, Andy will have spent about half of his time away from home. But I can honestly say, the past two years have been the best of my life, and right now I am really missing my best friend.

Let me illustrate why this anniversary was so special. I had an inkling that Andy was possibly planning something after I first arrived in Portland. I had expressed to him that I felt like there was something sneaky going on, and eventually I got him to admit that he was a part of it...but he advised me to not snoop around (he knows me well). When I got up on Monday morning, Andy's mom brought me a little gift bag, with simple instructions. Andy had gotten me a gift card to Nordstrom, with instructions to be ready to go shopping at 4:45pm with Natalie and MacKenzie. I assumed that while we were shopping, Andy's parents would make dinner or something and that maybe Andy would be on Webcam. So when 4:45 came around, I was ready to go. After we were finished shopping at Nordstrom, Natalie told me that she wanted to go look for sunglasses at Forever 21. About 30 seconds after we walked into Forever 21, Natalie shut her phone (obviously after reading a text) said 'OK' and started walking out of the store. I figured she had gotten the 'cue' that it was time to head home. I couldn't help but laugh at her obviousness, but they were all aware that I knew something was happening. So back to the car, I thought, and headed toward Nordstrom. As I turned to walk toward where we were parked, Natalie and MacKenzie started walking in the opposite direction...that confused me. Then I noticed they were walking toward The Cheesecake Factory. I had finally caught on.

As we walked toward the back of the restaurant, I saw our little Noah in a Tuxedo, holding a rose and a note. I had officially lost it. As I held Noah, Andy's dad began to read the very special letter written below as well as give me a personal letter that Andy had written for me. On the table were two pictures of Andy, so that it was if he were there with us. I was so amazed at the preparation (and sneakiness) that Andy put into this very special day.

But as if the night weren't special enough, there were two other instances that made it even more memorable. One of the waitresses had approached us and told us how much she loved us. Her husband, also in the military, is currently serving his third solo tour in Korea and she couldn't help but feel touched by our situation, which seemed so similar to hers. I couldn't help but hug her and as silly as it sounds...her and I both cried as we did. She was so sweet and even bought us a slice of cheese cake to express her thanks for Andy's service.

At another point in our dinner another waitress approached our table and asked if I was the wife. I told her yes and she said, "There is a table over there that wants you to have this, and say thank you for your husbands service." She proceeded to hand me a $25 dollar gift card. I was so touched by that simple gesture and am grateful to those who were so kind as to express their thanks to us in such a way.

Needless to say this anniversary will be one I will remember forever. I am certainly not an expert, but I can say from experience that being away from your husband (or wife) stinks. Home isn't home without them there, and it is harder then I ever imagined it would be. But with that, Andy and I have also received so many blessings from this experience. So thanks Babe, for such a wonderful anniversary. It was the best day I've had, since you've been gone.

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