MomNom Header!

Till Death Do Us Part.

by Tiffany

On October 11, 2008 I said “I do” to my best friend.  I took his hand at the end of that aisle and I swore for better or worse…and for sickness and health.  Two years later, those naive young adults don’t exist.  And that marriage that they pictured, barely had a chance…

  • On December 23, 2008 I told my husband he was going to be a dad – after quite a bit of fanfare.  From there, we began working to clean up what debt we had, in order to purchase a home for our growing family.
  •  And, on April 30, 2009 we signed the forms and were handed the keys to our very first home. 
  • That same day, our son broke his arm by falling off the monkey bars.  Turns out, he needed to have it set, so after a few days in a brace we made our way to the local Children’s Hospital and he underwent anesthesia.  And, unbeknown-st to us, the hospital left a band-aid on his arm (that was there before he fell) and they casted him up.  After four weeks of constant pain and sleepless nights from the torture of itching – we discovered why…The band-aid that was left on his arm, ate. his. skin.
  • It ate a HOLE in his arm the exact shape of the band aid and staph infection grew under his elbow in giant tumor-like lumps.  We spent four + weeks in the second cast, desperately trying to rid his body of the staph infection.
  • The accident happened on July 19, 2009. Just DAYS after getting the cast taken off his arm.
  • August 6, 2009  we welcomed our daughter, with our son in a wheelchair.
  • August 12, 2009, the pins were removed from my son’s foot. Excrutiating pain.
  • August 24, 2009,  just 18 days after her birth, the baby had a “choking episode” and was rushed to the local emergency room and kept overnight.
  • October 3, 2009 my husband graduated from college.
  • And we celebrated our first anniversary on October 11, 2009. 
  • In January, 2010 we rushed our daughter BACK to the same emergency room to find out she had a dislocated elbow and a condition known as Nursemaid’s Elbow. 
  • On January 18, 2010 our son had his second surgery, removing the rods from his femur and this marked the beginning of the healing process.
  • March, 2010 I was diagnosed with PTSD, after my husband watched me agonize for months.

No alter prepared us for those experiences.  No words, or songs, or speeches could have predicted what would happen next.  In that first year, our relationship was tested to the max.  We grew ages separately & together indefinitely as we overcame each obstacle.

I don’t think it will matter if we’re married 75 years,  that first year will always be the one that decided it for us.  At any given moment we could have said goodbye and everyone would have bowed their head and said that the stress was just too much on a young marriage. 

No one would pretend they didn’t understand.

The fights that first year were louder.  The pain was deeper. The tears were more genuine and the love…

the love was more real.

And, as we celebrate our second anniversary tonight there WILL be laughs about that first year.  There probably always will be.   Things I never thought I’d see him doing, like caring for my son at the scene of the accident, while I proceeded to lose my mind, watching me deliver our child via c-section, having him sleep downstairs in a twin with our son in the living room because he couldn’t get upstairs easily in the wheelchair – while I slept upstairs with a newborn baby.

And the list goes on…

These were tests a first year marriage shouldn’t have to take.  Tests that I am proud to say we passed.  These events shaped us.  They determined the will and strength of our marriage.  Not just the pen and paper…but the heart of it.

When we said those vows that beautiful Fall day, just two short years ago, we meant it.

For better or worse.

In sickness and in health.

Till death do us part.

74 comments

1 Lydia { 10.11.10 at 6:39 am }

Awe, loved reading this- I think if y'all made it through all that, your marriage is definately a strong, good one. Happy Anniversary!

[Reply]

2 Lindsay { 10.11.10 at 9:59 am }

It sounds like you had huge events your first year that will set apart the next years. We have only been married a little over a year and our first year was a little rough because I was sick ALOT and didn't realize I picked up a bug on our honeymoon and turns out I have gluten allergies. My husband has been my true prince! Here's to hoping this next year rocks for you guys!
Enjoy your anniversary!

Lindsay@ A Design Story

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 10:43 am

Thanks friend! Those first years area doozie.

[Reply]

3 Laura { 10.11.10 at 10:00 am }

Happy Anniversary! I can't even imagine being in your shoes. I hope this year is less eventful for you. :)

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 10:43 am

Thanks Laura! Me too! I'm hoping for a calm, productive year. LOL

[Reply]

4 liz { 10.11.10 at 10:03 am }

Happy Anniversary!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 10:43 am

Thank you!

[Reply]

5 LCW { 10.11.10 at 10:03 am }

so sweet! Happy Anniversary.

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 10:44 am

Thanks friend!

[Reply]

6 Julie { 10.11.10 at 10:07 am }

Our first year sealed it for us too, but I think yours takes the cake! Happy anniversary!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 10:44 am

Those first years are tough – even without hospitalizations! Thanks Julie!

[Reply]

7 Ms. Megan { 10.11.10 at 10:11 am }

Happy Anniversary lovely!
You two went through so much and I am so happy that you made it out the other end together!!
I hope that the rest of your years are filled with smiles and laughter and no more pain and worry!
P.S. Happy Monday!!
xo

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 10:44 am

Thank you! XOXO

[Reply]

8 Tweets that mention Till Death Do Us Part. — Mom-Nom.Com -- Topsy.com { 10.11.10 at 10:13 am }

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mandy, Mom-Nom.Com, Mom-Nom.Com, Pierce's Momma, Mom-Nom.Com and others. Mom-Nom.Com said: Till Death Do Us Part. http://bit.ly/aqYmhK [...]

9 TheHeirtoBlair { 10.11.10 at 10:28 am }

Happy anniversary to a funny, silly, sweet, strong couple.

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 10:45 am

Thanks friend! PS – I'm counting down the days to that boys birthday party post!! LOL

[Reply]

10 Shell { 10.11.10 at 10:29 am }

After going through all that, you know you'll last. Happy Anniversary!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 10:45 am

That's what we say. If we can make it through that first year and a half – we can make it through anything. LOL. Thanks!

[Reply]

11 Sara { 10.11.10 at 10:41 am }

Happy anniversary! To say your marriage was tested is an understatement!! But knowing it can survive anything is quite the gift.

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 10:46 am

I agree. Just knowing we can make it through all of that – and the stress that it induced, is such a blessing. It would seem a waste to divorce him over not knowing how many holes I have, huh? LOL. XOXO

[Reply]

12 Jackie { 10.11.10 at 10:42 am }

What a crazy few years! I hope you get to slow down a little & enjoy the next 100 together. Happy Anniversary!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 10:46 am

Thanks Jackie! Me too! We don't take the boring days for granted anymore, that's for sure! XOXO

[Reply]

13 momnom { 10.11.10 at 10:44 am }

Thank you dear!!!

[Reply]

14 armsopengrace { 10.11.10 at 10:49 am }

i . love . this .

enjoy your day together. keep up the good work!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 11:04 am

Thanks dear! I can't wait for tonight!

[Reply]

15 Carolyn { 10.11.10 at 11:01 am }

It always amazes me what a person can go through and still come out intact. I'm sure your marriage is stronger for it all. You guys already went through the worse part of "for better or worse" so now it should just get better and better.

Happy Anniversary!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 11:05 am

Thanks Carolyn! That's what we're hoping – for a relatively uneventful 75 years. LOL

[Reply]

16 Eliza { 10.11.10 at 11:20 am }

Your love and marriage has truly been tested in ways most peopel never know. I'm glad to see you guys are still going strong and celebrating your love!!!! Happy Anniversary! I wish you so much happiness and love in the coming years!

[Reply]

17 melissa { 10.11.10 at 11:38 am }

Congratulations– that's more jam packed in a year than we had in 10! I'm sure you guys will get through anything.

Happy anniversary!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 11:40 am

Thanks Melissa! It's more than I wish on anyone, but I can't say I regret the experience.

[Reply]

18 Mama Fisch { 10.11.10 at 11:42 am }

Happy Anniversary! Sounds like you have weathered the "worst" and the TWO of you can tackle anything! Enjoy your dinner…so jealous!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 1:37 pm

Thanks! That's what we're hoping! ;) XOXO

[Reply]

19 Cyrene { 10.11.10 at 12:24 pm }

Congratulations to you two! You are right, you were tested by fire and came out shining like gold. :)

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 1:37 pm

Aw, thank you friend. What a lovely way of putting it!

[Reply]

20 C.Mom { 10.11.10 at 12:30 pm }

I have read bits and pieces of your story over the last few months—but this timeline and story reminds me of how amazing and strong you are!!! Happy anniversary!!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 1:37 pm

Thank you!! XOXO

[Reply]

21 Brooke { 10.11.10 at 1:10 pm }

Happy Anniversary!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 1:38 pm

Thanks Brooke!!

[Reply]

22 GirlSunday { 10.11.10 at 1:41 pm }

That is a crazy couple of years! Seems your love is living proof that what doesn't break you only makes you stonger. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary.

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 3:21 pm

Thank you! It was a bumpy ride…but we're all so blessed because of it.

[Reply]

23 Mo P { 10.11.10 at 1:45 pm }

Happy Anniversary!
Love that pic! Gorgeous!!!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 3:21 pm

THANKS FRIEND! XOXO

[Reply]

24 Lori, Martha Points { 10.11.10 at 2:23 pm }

If your two poor burned heinies lived through all that…

…I have tremendous faith in the decades ahead.

Much love to the four of you today.

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 3:21 pm

Thanks Lori! That's how we feel about it as well. LOL

[Reply]

25 suzanne { 10.11.10 at 3:15 pm }

Wow … beautiful post. You guys are an inspiration!

Congratulations!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 3:21 pm

aw, thanks dear. That means a lot.

[Reply]

26 Crazy Brunette { 10.11.10 at 3:32 pm }

Awwww… Mr. Cb and I will be married for 4 years on the 18th or the 19th… Neither of us can ever remember unless we pull out the goddamn license!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 12th, 2010 at 9:35 am

That's hilarious. I love it.

[Reply]

27 Suz B { 10.11.10 at 4:33 pm }

Happy anniversary!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 12th, 2010 at 9:35 am

Thanks!!!

[Reply]

28 Conflicted Mean Girl { 10.11.10 at 5:15 pm }

Happy anniversary! What a great example you both have been to your kids. Here's hoping every year gets progressively easier.

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 12th, 2010 at 9:35 am

Thank you so much!!!

[Reply]

29 Vicki { 10.11.10 at 5:29 pm }

Happy Anniversary! You two are definitely stronger because of all this! I admire you.

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 12th, 2010 at 9:36 am

Thanks Vicki! We feel like we've weathered the storm and now we're smooth sailing.

[Reply]

30 Joanna { 10.11.10 at 6:35 pm }

Happy Anniversary!!! What a beautiful post :)

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 12th, 2010 at 9:36 am

Thank you friend!!

[Reply]

31 Chelsea { 10.11.10 at 6:54 pm }

So, now I'm sitting in Starbucks balling because this is so beautiful! Congrats and happy Anniversary and I wish you many, many PEACEFUL more years!

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 12th, 2010 at 9:36 am

AW, thank you. Peaceful years are exactly what we need. LOL

[Reply]

32 Tractor Mom { 10.11.10 at 6:57 pm }

Congradulations! At least your marriage has been invitful.

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 12th, 2010 at 9:36 am

Thank you!! To say the least…

[Reply]

33 Chanel_Supermom { 10.12.10 at 12:07 pm }

Sorry I'm late but Happy Anniversary! You guys had a heck of a first year. I can imagine how that first year created a great bond between you. If you could make it through that; you guys can make it through anything.

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 13th, 2010 at 10:16 am

AW, thank you!

[Reply]

34 joyinthisjourney { 10.12.10 at 1:15 pm }

You have crammed a whole lot of life into two years of marriage. I know imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but you really don't have to try to compete with Scott and I.

So glad you're stronger for it — that is indeed something to celebrate.

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 13th, 2010 at 10:16 am

LOL. Thanks dear. XOXO

[Reply]

35 Minky { 10.13.10 at 9:47 am }

Wow. Just ….wow. I suppose selfishly I picked the perfect day tocome here since I have just recieved a little quick course in your life. But, wow.Some really terrifying stuff. I mean, the band aid ATE HIS SKIN?? WHOA. My husband had MRSA and it was so scary. I cannot imagine it being my precious son.Thank you for coming by my blog. I'll be reading yours at naptime. (I love naptime)

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 13th, 2010 at 10:17 am

Oh, how I love naptime. Thanks for stopping by! I must admit, your blog is one of my recent finds and I am in LOVE.

[Reply]

36 mae { 10.13.10 at 12:06 pm }

Happy anniversary!!

[Reply]

37 Ali @ Last Splash { 10.13.10 at 2:34 pm }

Beautiful! I'm speechless, inspired, and overall happy for you both.

[Reply]

38 ThatGirl_D { 10.14.10 at 12:56 am }

I just cried.

And thank you for sharing with us that "it ain't easy" :)

I am not married but we are an intact household. I do worry but your story is a sense of encouragement for the institution of marriage.

Thank you again.

Love.

[Reply]

momnom Reply:
October 14th, 2010 at 3:08 pm

Thanks, dear! Sorry about the tears. =)

[Reply]

39 momnom { 10.14.10 at 3:07 pm }

It certainly did! Thank you!

[Reply]

40 Jen @ Lita's Wo { 10.14.10 at 7:39 pm }

Wow! I'm new to your blog, but what a story, I'm tearing up here reading it and am so glad you wrote it because you made it through what has to be the roughest first year of marriage I've ever heard of. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!

[Reply]

41 Katie { 10.21.10 at 9:43 am }

Ok, so I read this a long time ago and haven’t commented yet. This post? Made me cry. My first year of marriage was also fraught with a ridiculous amount of tests and trials and tragedies. Things I never ever in a million years thought would be included in my life EVER let alone in that first year of marriage!

Thank you for this post. I feel all connected to you on a whole new level.

Happy anniversary :)
Katie recently posted..Almost Wordless Wednesday

[Reply]

42 TMae { 11.02.10 at 4:02 pm }

I’m very late to the game here – but Happy Anniversary! I think I clicked over from @bebehblog and have been reading your archives. This post made me smile for a couple of reasons. 1.) It’s your anniversary, and that’s always a nice thing. But 2.) Because my husband and I were married October 18, 2008, and I “gifted” him with a positive pregnancy test on December 25, 2008.

I’m off to read more now!

[Reply]

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv badge