seven.

Today Rob and I have been married 7 years! How did this happen? I still feel like a 19 year old.

Then I think back to this day seven years ago and realize how much has changed. A lot like those shoes pictured above.

Those shoes are the ones I wore, brand new, the day I got married. It was not a decision most approved of; my seamstress even made my dress a little too long to hide them. But when your feet are the size of a child's it's not easy to find white "grown up" lady shoes to wear to your wedding. I decided instead Rob and I would both wear black Converse tennis shoes. So we did.

Call me crazy, but after we got married I didn't pack them away. Instead I've worn them for 7 years. So they're worn, and faded, and have paint on them. But they're as comfy as can be (they're so well molded to the shape of my feet) and I love them. And still wear them often. They are one pair of shoes I don't think I'll ever get rid of, no matter how ratty they are.

And so it is with our marriage. 7 years ago it was new and shiny and squeaky-clean. But now it has seven years of wear, some rough spots, lots of comfy improvements, and has increased in love and affection a hundred fold. And I don't think we'll ever get tired of it.

They say there's a "seven year itch" in marriage. Well, I don't feel itchy at all. Not. One. Bit.

Our marriage isn't perfect, but I don't care. We'll continue to move onward and upward and someday, hopefully, we'll get there.

Ti voglio bene, Rob.