When I Saw You Standing There

Josh, 10 years ago today you were standing in my church, at the altar I had prayed at so many times, waiting for me. Waiting to take my hand, to put a ring on my finger and to pledge your love for me. Waiting to vow to be mine forever and to kiss me in front of EVERYBODY! :)  It was my first favorite part of our wedding, to see your face when you saw me. To see you standing there, just for me.

I had no idea what the next 10 years would bring. I do know enough now to know that if I had known then what I know now, it would have been absolutely terrifying to hop in the little red rocket and drive off into the sunset. To say we were just kids with more dreams than plans would be the understatement of the century. But, I had the luxury of ignorance back in those days and it really was bliss. :) I learned early on that you were going to take care of me, no matter what it took.  Our wedding was just the beginning of many times you would stand for me.

Our first 5 years of marriage you stood in a warehouse at 3:00 in the morning loading bread on a breadtruck. You stood (okay ran) in grocery stores and gas stations and restaurants delivering bread. You stood in those places so I could finish school and take care of our babies.

You stood beside my hospital bed 3 times as 3 new little Fidlers entered the world. You stood and prayed with me when tough medical decisions had to be made and you stood by me and handed me peanut M&M's when the cravings came.

You stood beside me to take pics in my cap and gown. You promised my Daddy when you asked for my hand in marriage that I would finish college, and you kept that promise. You deserved to walk across that stage as much as I did!

You stood in the pulpit of our church and preached and we knew our lives would never be the same. You stand in the pulpit every Sunday now and you preach God's Word in a way that challenges and convicts  me.

You stood in the hospital on Christmas Eve and wrapped your arms around me on the hardest night of my life.

There have been so many important times that you stood. But there are even more times that are precious to me. I remember you standing over the ironing board ironing my clothes for my first day at my "big girl" job. You've stood in line at McDonald's demanding (as if you ever demand :) my barbecue sauce they forgot or making sure my drink is right. You've stood in line with me for countless movies, amusement rides and other entertainment. And you are still my favorite person to hang out with. You've stood in countless buildings waiting to pay bills or run other errands I hate to do. You've stood on a ballfield coaching our extremely talented son and you've stood waiting for me and the girls with flowers after a dance recital.

To me, Joshua Fidler, you stand for everything a man should be. Strong, brave, smart, loving, thoughtful, considerate, romantic, and fun. And tall, so I can wear high heels. :)

I am still thrilled that you chose me to stand with me!