So, today you're getting married

Dear Bride, I know you're going to avoid all technology today, but hopefully you checked your e-mail as you woke up. Today is our 5 year anniversary and, assuming everything has gone according to plan, we're getting married. So I just want to take a moment, to talk to you future-bride, about what we're probably feeling. The day this was written, is 1 year exactly since we got engaged. It wasn't a flashy engagement--hell, we picked out the ring. But it was special. After watching us wear the ring and practically glow with happiness after having such a difficult year, your special man didn't wait any longer. Right in that living room, he dropped to one knee. He almost didn't say the words, we had to pull that out of his mouth. But he did, we said yes, and here we are. But the engagement, while a special moment, doesn't even compare to the happiness we've had together. When you first started hanging out with Jesse, life was rough. We'd dropped out of college for mental health reasons and it just looked like life was trying to perpetually punch you in the boob. But around December you decided that come the new year, we were ready to get back into the dating game. And hell, we'd even picked a guy to date. And then Jesse waltzed into the picture. He wasn't boyfriend material--he was our best friend. (Talk about friend zone) And then that night, December 23rd, 2012, he kissed us. The stars aligned, the earth stopped spinning. And something in your gut told you this was right. So after Christmas in Bowling Green, you decided "Why not?" and gave it a shot. I mean, after all, we did have a pretty thorough make-out session with him that night. Life was still rough. Anxiety and bipolar had reached new levels over the past few years. It took him over a year and a half, multiple panic episodes, and a whole lot of self-hating before we believed he wasn't going to leave us because we were sick. He knew what he had signed up for. But we were scared, because it was barely a month into the relationship when we said we loved him, and it was another 6 months before we realized "shit." we didn't want to live without him. I mean, let's be honest here. Jesse's the whole package. He's nerdy, funny, smart, good-looking, protective. He's everything you never knew you wanted in a S/O. And so many of our favorite memories, aren't the big things like your first date, a birthday, or even Christmas. It's laying around in bed while after you've had a bad day, and listening to him ramble about D&D builds; getting to make him laugh and watch that big goofy grin; curling up into his chest and for the first time in years and actually feeling safe. I mean, we've been through so much. Not just the first mental breakdown of 2012 where you dropped out of college. He stood by you for those 2 years you were unemployed because you were, as the government finally accepted, medically totally and permanently disabled because of your anxiety/panic/depression/bipolar. He visited us every day we were (unjustly) put into the Ridge. Not only did he support us financially, he was there for nearly every episode, every medicine change. In the past 5 years, we've changed drastically. And not only has he accepted us, he's been beside us every step of way. He may not fully be engaging in Tarot or Druidism/Witchcraft, but he cares. He's watched us transform from the strong independent to broken and unable to function and, more impressively, has somehow held us together. He's watched as our dreams of being a translator diminished, to where the only thing we want in life is to be a wife and mother. To be honest, I think the only reason we didn't want kids before him was because you couldn't imagine having someone else beside you. So I know, you're a little scared today. I mean, you're making a major commitment. But let's be honest--you knew this day was coming 7 months into dating him. When you take those reveal photos, I bet you, every concern you have is going to melt away. That big goofy grin has a habit of doing that. If that doesn't do it. Look into his eyes. I've never seen anyone look at us the way he does. In his eyes, we're absolutely perfect--crazy and all. So, don't worry about him. He's been there for us for the past 5 years--he'll be with us for the next 50. Take a moment today to also be thankful to Mom and Dad. If it wasn't for them, you probably wouldn't be marrying such a good man. They've shown us how a couple should treat each other (despite the screaming), as well as a few things that they shouldn't. We've learned what to do, as well as what not to do. And hey, take a moment today and thank Momma for being with you in the bridal suite. This is a big step for her. And try not to let the waterworks fly as you hug Daddy before walking down the aisle. You'll always be his little girl. He'll always be there at 3 in the morning, even if it's to write an essay. Thank your sister. You may not get along all the time, but it's a big deal she decided she wanted to help you on your big day. And while I know we've had problems over the years with Julie (and there are probably many more to come), thank her. Hopefully we were able to buy her a small mother-of-the-groom present. Without her, a lot of this wedding wouldn't be possible. And finally, just have fun. This is OUR day. It's geeky and we're gonna be surrounded by people who love us and Jesse. Have fun. Get on that dance floor, dance a little. Have fun with Hive members that managed to make it. I don't want us having a moment we've regretted on one of the biggest days of our lives. Remember, today is the start of a new adventure. Best of Luck! You (6-8-17)