The last year has been a whirlwind of things that have been all-consuming. Beginnings, endings, fresh new starts. I've been traveling for loved ones and for work and I promise to get back into a regular routine when I return late next week. Around that time I'll be able to make a very big and special career announcement that I am DYING to share with you. Until then, let me share some beautiful and painful truths about this year before I head back to the Catskills to celebrate 5 years of marriage and 34 years of life.
In the years Will and I have shared so closely, we've gone through many things. Never have we faced what we faced this year. To be brutally honest, and terrifyingly open, I have to tell you that my amazingly brave partner has battled the disease of alcoholism. This year it nearly destroyed him and us along with it. Like a cancer, addiction can come into your life and family and can steal someone you love right before your eyes. Do not be mistaken, it IS a disease in the truest sense of the word. You can't cause it, control it, or cure it in another; only they can do that for themselves if they are willing to give it everything they've got. This has been a devastating experience on every level and it truly brought me to my knees. This year shook me to the core and stripped me down to show me what I'm made of. It did that to Will and so much more, and thank the universe he fought a valiant fight and has come out on the other side. We fought to save ourselves and our beloved marriage.
We faced this, we dug deep, we stepped away from our union to heal the individual, and kindly and gently met back in the middle to rediscover a love that is stronger than any disease.
After almost 11 years together, 5 years of marriage, and the last 2 years that rocked us to our core, Will and I are going to renew our vows in a private, tiny, ceremony overlooking the mountains tomorrow afternoon on our anniversary. In many ways, this ceremony means more than the first. We have faced the possibility of life tearing us apart, and we fought a disease tooth and nail to stay together. The appreciation we have for each other is deeper, richer, and more knowing. I am so proud of Will, and so inspired and impressed by his bravery and commitment to living a fuller and better life. He really is an amazing person. This weekend we will celebrate and relax and enjoy the company of 3 dear friends, 5 lucky dogs, and the stunning surroundings of our favorite place. To light, love, and survival!
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
-Wuthering Heights
6 comments:
Thank you for speaking so frankly about this. My father died from his addiction and I always tell people the truth. I have had people here and there suggest I just lie and say he had "cancer or something." I think if we share our experiences and learn from them we can help others while healing ourselves. Good luck to you and congratulations.
Thank you for sharing. I pray that your family will grow closer and that you will be blessed.
Have fun and enjoy the break!
Thank YOU for reading and supporting Anne + Beth. It's hard for people to know what to do or say, but really it's a great ting that happened and we are better for it now.
Much love, Meg
That's a very inspirational story you told: God bless u both on your continuous journey!! I haven't yet experienced marriage ( I still feel like a kid in a 25 yr old body,lol), but I hope I do someday ( as a matter of fact, I'm claiming I will!)! I have followed your journies for YEARS now: on Threadbanger, Youtube, and this blog, and u truely are an inspiring and amazing person-i am a HUGE fan!! Please continue to never give up and continue to inspire gals like me...
wow. thank you for sharing
That is very brave of you to share your story, glad to hear it comes with a happy ending! xo
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