Shannon Ethridge's Blog

I’m writing this Hot Tip from Disney World!  We came here for my niece’s wedding, but we also had an ulterior motive.  We have a tradition in our family – “Disney every decade!”  This is where Greg and I came on our honeymoon in 1990.  Ten years later, in 2000, we brought an 8-year old daughter and a 5-year old son for fun with Mickey & Minnie.  Now here we are again, in 2010, with an almost 18-year old Erin, and an almost-15 year old Matthew, and our 20^th wedding anniversary is just around the corner.

As we took pictures holding up the big golf-ball-looking-thing at Epcot, I remembered Greg and I standing there for our first honeymoon picture as newlyweds.  As our gondola glided through the hydroponic greenhouse display, I remember Greg dreaming out loud, “That’s what I want to do someday!”  And as the brilliantly colored fireworks exploded over our heads at closing time, I remembered the feelings I’d felt watching them before – first, with my newlywed husband, and second, with my amazing family.

This trip down memory lane has been GREAT for our marriage.  Just like any other wife, there’ve been a few days over the past 20 years that I’ve wondered, “And WHY did I marry this man?”  Returning to our honeymoon spot has been a wonderful reminder.  I married Greg because of his faith in God… his love for me… his dreams for our family… and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

Take your own stroll down memory lane soon — if not physically, then mentally.  Read letters you sent to each other when you were dating.  Look at your wedding pictures.  Recall some of the magical memories you’ve made together.  Instead of recounting recent marital nightmares, remember the hopes you held in your heart for a happy marriage, and celebrate those dreams that HAVE come true!

Wishing you a sweet stroll down memory lane,
-Shannon