Our Engagement Anniversary

I’m in love. Unequivocally, undeniably, in love.

Today marks the 9 year anniversary of the day Vitaliy asked me to marry him. I’ve never shared the story publicly and I’m not sure if I ever will. It was so unique, so detailed, and holds such a special place in my heart. But if we’re ever sitting over coffee, I’d be happy to tell my fairytale. Because that’s what it was, and to be quite honest, things haven’t changed much. I still feel like the luckiest girl in the entire world to have a man like Vitaliy choose to love me every day.

A few months ago, on one of our many road trips, Vitaliy was DJing, as is usual. He’s the best, by the way. Aretha Franklin’s, Son of a Preacher Man, came through the mix and I sang along as I usually do with any song I know. But this time, the lyrics hit me in a new way. This song was about me and Vitaliy.

The only one who could ever reach me
(Was the son of a preacher man)
The only boy who could ever teach me
(Was the son of a preacher man)
Yes he was, yeah he was, oh he was, hey
(Halleluiah, halleluiah, halleluiah)

Vitaliy actually is the son of a preacher man. And he’s been the only man who has had the love and patience to ever really reach me. Those dark hidden places that you hope the world never sees. And though he saw, he loved still. And bit by bit, those hardened walls I had put up began to break down. I softened under his love.

And every year that passes by between us, I’m more changed. His constant sacrifices teach me and mold me into a new woman. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m married to the kind of person I hope to grow up and be like some day. That is honestly how much I admire him.

Vitaliy, if you asked me to marry you again today, I would say yes. And if you asked me tomorrow, the answer would be the same. I’m so thankful to enjoy all the sweet blessings of a preacher man’s son. I love you.