I still do 27 years later

I was chatting with a coworker at AdventHealth and mentioned that today is my wedding anniversary. She asked how many years Paige Cousins and I have been married, and I responded, “27 years.” You could see the surprise in her eyes.

It doesn’t feel like that long. To me, it’s all a blur. The years seemed to move by much slower when I was younger. As I’ve moved into adulthood, I just want to hit the brakes and savor so many things, including the time I have with Paige.

But so many things seem to get in the way of our ability to just enjoy one another, and lately, I largely blame Covid, which seems to be the “worse” part of the “for better or worse” line in our wedding vows.

Covid has robbed us of the ability to do many of our favorite things, including dining out and having date nights. We’ve allowed fewer people into our home in an effort to protect J.P. from exposure to the dreaded virus.

Additionally, J.P. continues to grow, and with his adult body, he’s less mobile and requires more than one person to change his position and bathe, as well as more respiratory treatments and interventions to keep him comfortable.

Saying I feel trapped would be a misnomer, because we’ve been very lucky to still have our son with us. For those who have closely followed this blog over the years, you know we’re way beyond the life expectancy given to us for J.P.

But those ingredients you often hear about to have a successful marriage (i.e.: be romantic, prioritize one another, get away from the kids, schedule date nights) have been lost because of Covid and the necessities that come with caring for someone who’s reached adulthood despite significant medical needs.

So where do we go from here? We focus on our commitment to each other. We try to make time for one another at home. We take things day by day, and we focus on our blessings. We hold on to hope. Things won’t stay this way forever.

I often recall the many good times we’ve had. I’ve always believed that I was very lucky to have married into the Royalty family. Get-togethers before the pandemic always included great food and plenty of laughs. Holiday celebrations often lasted for several days. Vacations to see family in other parts of the country were fun-filled.

I recall so many great times spent with Paige. Movie nights, weekend getaways, trying new restaurants, watching our favorite TV shows at home. The memories of times-gone-by make me smile, but Covid has definitely been a bump in the road.

But as fast as the years are moving by lately, change is inevitable, and I’m forever grateful to have a life partner that’s equipped for whatever is thrown our way, and I’m thankful that she treasures the commitment she made to me 27 years ago.

Happy anniversary, Paige!