Fourteen Years Later

"You were pregnant when you married Dad," Tommy said matter-of-factly.

My eyes darted all over the place. "What are you talking about?"

Tommy gave me a Look. "Come on. I know you were. Technically you were a pregnant teenager. My school says being pregnant when you're a teenager is not good."

Yes. I was 19 when I married Tom. And 7 months pregnant.

The pregnancy wasn't planned.

But it happened and Tom and I knew we wanted to be together. He finished up basic training and then we got married.

Yes, it was in a court house. Yes, I was wearing black because it was the only dress that would fit me. We could not afford another one.

Yes, we had all sorts of issues being married at such a young age. We were both stubborn. We both thought we knew what was best. We had very little money. Add to the mix a newborn. It wasn't easy. Far from it. But we figured it out because we loved each other.

Ten years later and Tom surprised me with a vow renewal. I've always been fascinated by the Titanic, so he arranged to have our vow renewal in the grand staircase at the Titanic museum.

I was able to wear WHITE. And I wasn't with child.

Today we've been married fourteen years.

And yeah, we'll still have issues.

But we'll also have good times.

We might have to say goodbye again if Tom has to deploy.

But he'll know we'll always be waiting.

Happy Anniversary, Tom!