Friday, January 18, 2008

Why I am Lucky (Surprise Guest Post)




This is Josh (the “Husband”) writing a special guest post to Stie’s blog. Before I get on with this note, I want to acknowledge that this type of post is risky. Many will say that Christie is actually the author, writing in guise to fulfill egotistical tendencies or that we colluded to somehow increase her “readership”. Some readers may think that this is a clever ruse to “make-up” after a spat (I don’t think we have been in a fight recently…but for all I know, we may be in one right now). I want to make clear that that these or other ulterior motives were not the purpose of my post. I can assure you that she will be surprised and embarrassed when she reads this post. I hope she forgives me. Because this blog has become our electronic family record, I think this post is oddly appropriate.

I think I am one of the luckiest guys around because I found the partner that has the exact combination of characteristics to bring me the greatest happiness. Because I only knew Stie for only a short time before we were married, I did not or could not know the perfection of the match. I wish I could say that I had foresight and wisdom when I asked Christie to marry me, but I can’t…it was truly divine intervention that guided our decision. I will be eternally grateful that I acted on that intuition or inspiration, whatever you want to call it.

When we started out, I had the unfortunate mixture of ambition and lack of vision. In other words, I really wanted to get somewhere in life as fast as possible but had no idea where. These traits often lead me to be frustrated and unsatisfied. However, even in the beginning, Stie always believed in me. And, strangely, she still does even in times when I don’t or when I don’t measure up. I am sure some have rolled their eyes at some of our crazy decisions (which also tend to be the most life changing), but Stie can make anything work and is always 100 percent.

Stie has come a long way. When I first met her, she hung around the same group of friends that she had since she was 5 years old. She lived in one house her entire life. She hadn’t traveled widely... her 10 day trip to Chicago was the furthest she had ever been (she considered herself a native of Chicago for years after that trip). Our first move was a huge adjustment for her, it was difficult to navigate new areas, find new friends, and just feel comfortable…and we moved less than 15 miles away from her house.

Fourteen years later, I’ve lost count on the number of times we’ve moved but we’ve lived in 5 states, each in regions of the country that couldn’t be more different. But Stie has thrived! She has an uncanny ability to quickly acclimate to new situations and adapt to any social circumstances without being awkward. People are drawn to her because she is fun, authentic, and puts their needs above hers. She’s not the most “churchy” person I know, but she is one of the most Christian.

Stie manages all this while not being overwhelmed by her near single-parent status. I, fortunately, have found (through trial and error) a direction and career that I really enjoy and brings me satisfaction. Unfortunately for Stie, it requires significant demands of time which lead to sacrifice. There are months (like right this one) where I spend nights at the Marriott than at home. There are also times when I am home, but am not really there. Stie’s sheer capacity and ability to organize makes our house a place that I want to come home to. I attribute our kids’ cheerful dispositions and well-adjusted natures to the happy atmosphere Stie creates in our home. She is so strong and independent; I have learned to never underestimate her will.

Now, Stie has some crazy quirks, which I will continue to tease her about (you never know, maybe those will be the subject of another special blog post). But she is truly the most accomplished woman I know. She is beautiful, Stie gets even prettier as time goes on…I love having her as my trophy wife. I am so happy that she chooses to stay with me and creates calm out of the chaos that is my life. I would be lost without Stie. I love her more than I can tell her…but I should tell her more.

That is why I am lucky.

33 comments:

Are You Serious! said...

I think that is one of the sweetest surprise blog post ever!!!

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh... what a lucky girl you are Stie! hold on to him tight!

Annie said...

Josh, you rock & you're right...you picked a winner. This will earn you some serious points in heaven or wherever you choose to spend them.

We're glad to call you both friends. We're hoping some of your coolness rubs off eventually.

Kimberly said...

What a fun surprise! I still remember when you and Josh got married! I was a sophomore in H.S. and couldn't believe my favorite "girl" cousin was really getting married! Josh really knows how to sweep a girl off his feet...what a cute couple you are!

Sincerely Anna said...

That is so very sweet and it's so awesome to read how crazy your husband is about you!

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

What an awesome post! My husband has done this to me before and he calls it blogjacking. Wow, that was a beautiful tribute. I love it!

Hollyween said...

This was so so sweet, Stie! You're so lucky! Your husband is crazy about you. Ahhhhhh....
(but seriously... was there a fight? ha ha Just kidding.)

Jana said...

Oh - Shut up Mr. Perfect!

Okay, you probably don't know me well enough yet for met to talk like that - I AM kidding. The next time you see my "Mr. Perfect", could you please rub his arm or something - maybe SOMETHING could rub off!

Nice to hear from you.

Bridget said...

Way to go Josh!! Is there something on your want list your dying to buy because I think after that you will get clearance with the checkbook. But honestly, that was so sweet. Christie is amazing. People just love her. Including me.

Jake said...

Again I say...take that, Jennifer Aniston!

melissa walker said...

I wish my husband would "ambush" my blog like this! I often mourn the fact that he keeps no diary and there are no letters to family (unlike some mission letters about some other girl) to permanently record for posterity how he feels about me! You are both lucky to have each other and also be able to show how you feel!

TheCatLord said...

awwww, i got goosebumps!! you are both very lucky!

Lauren in GA said...

Dear, the "Husband",
That was positively beautiful. I know she will be so flattered. I love the, "I love her more than I can tell her...but I should tell here more often." So sweet!

Oh, and how you explained that she even grows more beautiful...don't worry...you won't be in any trouble for this post!

Jessica said...

Not only complimentary but SO WELL WRITTEN. Color me impressed. (Now, that's a cool phrase). And you picked the perfect picture of her. She looks gorgeous!

Can't wait to meet her!

Celia Fae said...

What? Is it Stie's birthday or something? All of this love....

I'm thinking Stie should be the Blogcoming Queen and you should be her King.

Emily said...

Nicely done Josh, I second all the things you said about Stie. She is wonderful, is one of my truest friends, and offered me superb advice on how to run and mostly single parent home that has been wonderful. You are both lucky to have each other.

mama jo said...

very sweet josh...you've learned well....

Musings of a Housewife said...

What a catch! Stie, I hope you thank your dear husband appropriately. ;-)

Ashlee said...

What a nice surprise! I don't know that my hubby would even attempt to get INTO my blog. But a profession of undying love? Wow! Lucky lady!

Liz said...

It's so great when great people marry someone who makes their stock value go up, instead of down!

The nice thing is, Josh, that you are raising two boys who will someday be somebody's husbands, and hopefully they will have paid attention to their dad.

danandcindy said...

This is Cindy... I have hijacked Dan's login to post on this one... Christie, you have a wonderful husband. Josh, you're pretty lucky too! We love you!

Paige said...

I don't even really know her YET, but I agree she is beautiful and hilarious. But, is it her birthday? Because if it's not I can't wait to see what you will do for her on her birthday.

danandcindy said...

This is Dan... I am pretty happy for my lame sister to be where she is... You have done a great job of making her little Cinderella dreams come true. And even though she is a dork, it pleases me to see her so happy.

Lisa-Marie said...

Absolutely beautiful. The post AND Christie. I truly am so excited to meet your wife. Thx for sharing her with all these strangers who will someday be "real life" friends!

Travelin'Oma said...

What an awesome post!! You are the man.

Chatter said...

This is the sweetest blog post EVER. Christie, I am so happy for you. What a sweetheart!

Diane said...

That is just about the sweetest thing ever! What a guy! He is lucky!

Tiffanie said...

I am crying at the sweetness of this. What a beautiful love letter.

Tiffanie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

That was beautiful..what a nice thing for you to do Josh, and I'm sure Christie deserves every bit of it.

Amz said...

This is wonderful! What a great guy you have. I love this picture of you! The thing I like the most is the freckles - You are beautiful!

Jenibelle said...

Dang! That's worth a little trip to the "thank you" room!!!

Lisa said...

Wow that was so sweet!!!