For Richer and Poorer

Today is our 24th wedding anniversary.

We met at a dive bar called the Daily Double. Lynn seemed so nice and polite at a time when I preferred bad boys. I have since discovered that he has an edge. Not a bad boy per se, but definitely a side that ventures into breaking the rules a bit.

After 24 years, things can get stale but Lynn continues to surprise me -- often he's annoying but it's far outweighed with the good times.

He still treats me like a queen and he is my rock when times are tough. In a crisis, Lynn is the go-to guy.

When our daughter was born and there was a chance that we might lose her, I fell apart but Lynn never wavered. His strength and heroism brought our girl to us.

And when she came home from the hospital, he would not let go of her. She spent her first night sleeping on his shoulder. He protects both of us in exactly the ways that we need.

So today we celebrated our anniversary. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes, accompanied by champagne. The menu tonight defines our life -- pleasantly ordinary layered with sweet, boozy possibilities.