Today is the second first anniversary to my spouse. It was 1 year ago that we tied the knot again following an arduous few years. The occasion was great and I believe it helped prepare us for the roller coaster that would follow….

Over the last year both of us had major changes in our employment situation. Major financial stresses came our way. We had extended family visits, always enjoyable but always effecting change in the normal routine. We mitigated huge changes in our still-at-home children’s education. We changed churches and left a close circle of dear friends, as we introduced those still-at-home kids to a new circle of friends. We worked at easing the life burden of our not-still-at-home adult child’s life and responsibilities by showing love and compassion through his extremely tough situations. Both myself and my wife went through medical and emotional challenges, and on and on.

I think just about everything that could hit us in the last year has - except a household change - and in the current market that would cost us greater than $50,000.

It’s all pulled us closer together, closer than ever. I wouldn’t change this year for any of the joy it has brought.