10 Years to Forever

As I sit here in bed, with my three-week-old daughter laying in the tot beside me and my fiancé at work overnight, emotions run through me. My future; her future; our future.

10 years ago I met this man, Tyler Gibson, and he changed my life indefinitely. From a rebellious, thinks-she’s-tough, don’t-care-about-the-world girl to a love-life, more emotional, care about everything woman. I didn’t care about what I did and where I ended up until he came along. He was the first guy who actually genuinely cared about his friends and had no hidden agenda. He didn’t do drugs and he didn’t care what anyone thought of him. His individuality and free spirit stood out to me.

Our story began November 23, 2009—he asked me out in his parent's Jeep on the way back to his house. Funny thing was that we were good friends since 2008 and we liked each other, but I had a boyfriend at the time, and then I was broken up with my ex for almost a year and Tyler didn’t realize it until two girlfriends later. I’m glad it played out how it did though, because we were able to know each other without being intimate. Now here we are, a proposal and a daughter later, coming to our 10 year anniversary—no breaks. You would think by now we would be tired of each other and fall out of love, but we couldn’t even come close to that. We’ve had our fair share of fights and disagreements, but what couple hasn’t? We’ve faced and overcome so many obstacles together. I wouldn’t trade these experiences for the world.

The day I told him I was pregnant at five in the morning, he stood up and got ready for no reason; he didn’t know what to do with himself but he was ready for it. I was scared sh**less, and then thought to myself that I’m with the right person. Growing up, I told myself that I don’t care whether or not I have kids. I was selfish and wanted to explore the world without baggage. But a change hit me and Tyler reminded me that we can travel with our children. He reminded me that children are not dream killers, that we can do so much with our kids and still reach goals.

The day our daughter was born, I fell in love with him all over again. As I was dealing with painful contractions, I was under so much stress that I couldn’t think and breathe right. All I remember was Tyler’s face and him telling me it’s ok, and to breathe. He was my peace through the pain. All I could think of was “I love you”, but I was in so much pain I couldn’t speak. It was a whole new view for me—a situation I couldn’t get out of and had to go through. And he was right there—by my side, seeing me at my worst. And although he wasn’t going through the pain with me, I wasn’t alone. He helped deliver the baby and love spilled out of my soul as she came to this world. I no longer cared about the pain in that moment.

I can truly say I’m happy and I’m blessed to have this family and be his soon-to-be wife. Although I get overwhelmed sometimes with everything going on and forces I can’t control, there is nothing I wouldn’t do for them. They are my light, my world, my temples. I love them both equally and I have full faith in us. Here’s to love—10 years to forever...