For Edward: Year 2

Photo credit: Elena Cornwell Photography

When Edward and I started grad school two months into our marriage, we worried about how much time we’d be able to spend together. While it was not an ideal year, the social isolation of 2020 had its silver lining for the Hardy household. From attending zoom classes while sitting 3 feet apart to a cross-country road trip, we soaked up all the extra time with each other. These adventures have provided the basis for this year’s compilation of anniversary promises.

If we got married after two years of marriage, this is what I would say:

1. I promise to keep giving you home haircuts as long as you ask me to. A couple of years ago I know you might have appreciated this promise a little less, but I like to think I have improved a bit since then…and during quarantine you were very lucky to have me!
2. I promise to keep working on my project follow-through. Thanks again for the easel you made for me…I will work on finishing the paintings I started 6 months ago so we can hang them up in the kitchen. Good thing they aren’t seasonal…
3. I promise to follow you hiking through the snow drifts and lay gazing up into the flurries, enjoying the silence together. When we slip down the ice-covered slides way too fast, I promise to always collapse into the snow and enjoy the moments of carefree laughter.
4. I can’t promise I will stop stalling your truck, but thank you for patiently teaching me how to drive stick through the long roads of Nevada. That one panic session at the stoplight aside, I feel much more comfortable behind the wheel.
5. I promise to keep making random music videos with you for our friends and family. Our goodwill runs for costumes are always enjoyable, but my favorite part is realizing we have most of the outfits in our closet already…

This is what two years of grad school will do to you…glad we have aged together.

6. Well, I made it 2 years before your running habit rubbed off on me. I’m not sure what the promise is here, but just felt like that needed to be said. Maybe something along the lines of…I promise to keep trying new things when you gently nudge me out of my comfort zone (if encouraging me to sign up for a mini triathlon is considered gentle…).

7. I promise to continue spending Friday evenings sitting on the front porch eating cold cantaloupe and enjoying the sounds of summer with you. I love the traditions we have created together.

8. I promise to keep brushing my teeth even while camping because I know my dentist is watching. Just kidding, I’ll do it because I know it is good for my teeth...

Thank you for making the everyday things enjoyable!

9. I promise to prioritize you. When life gets hectic, its tempting to rush around without stopping for air. I promise to pause and reconnect with you. Your opinion is important to me, your perspective is valuable, and your thoughts are always insightful. I am so blessed to be with someone who understands me, who connects with me on such a deep level, and who loves me unconditionally. I promise to continue strengthening this love in the coming years.

10. I promise to always say yes to dancing with you. Whether it be under the stars or in our tiny kitchen, I am at home in your arms.

Thank you for being my biggest supporter and inspiration. I fall more in love with you as each year goes by and I’m excited to see what this next year brings. I love you, Edward Hardy!