This week’s guest to Porch Swing Stories is no surprise. One of my greatest friends and best things to come from blogging is my other half and business partner, Shell from Things I Can’t Say. Read on to gain a glimpse into the sharing she does so well on her blog- sharing the details of her life, her kids, and in this case, her love.
In March, Hubs and I will celebrate our nine year wedding anniversary. Nine years.
Of course we started our marriage thinking that we would last forever. What young newlywed couple doesn’t?
But, as time passed, we had our moments when we both thought we’d never make it.
We have, though. And I don’t have any doubts that we’ll be together forever.
And so I can picture myself sitting on my own front porch swing some day, with a teenage granddaughter who asks me “Grammy, how do you know if you are in love? What does it feel like?”
I’ll smile, reach way back in my memory, and remember what it was like to fall in love, into a love that lasted: how I was so sure that this was the man that I was meant to spend the rest of my life with.
When he and I were dating, it was like we were dancing.
It was fun and made me a little dizzy.
After a while, I realized we were dancing towards the edge of a cliff.
Once there, I could jump.
And truly be in love.
With no turning back.
Or, I could stay where it was safe and fun, just keep dancing without going anywhere.
But, I realized that I wanted to take this leap with this man.
And once I did, there really was no going back.
We were in love, we’d made the decision to leap together, and we couldn’t turn back.
Sometimes it felt like we were flying, sometimes like we were floating.
Other times it felt like we were speeding towards something dangerous and painful and scary.
But, always, always: we were together.
We couldn’t change our minds and say that we didn’t want to make the leap because we already had.
It was a decision we couldn’t change, couldn’t go back on.
And as time passed, we had more of the floating, flying moments and less of the scared-we’re-about-to-crash moments.
And we were always together.
That is what it’s like to be in love forever.
Welcome to My Front Porch Swing! I'm Ashley, a Georgia Mom of 2. I work from home running social media promotions, particularly representing small businesses. You can almost always find me on Twitter and devouring as much about Social Media as I can. Follow along as I navigate life as a work at home mom and wife while striving to find a balance. Note the word "striving"
A great description of love. And I think it gets stronger when you surpass those scary-painful-falling moments.
Jenn recently posted..I Bear Witness (an exercise in personification)
It really does. Getting through those moments is HARD though.
That’s a great description. I think its funny how every time you get to that point where you think you won’t make it something happens and you do!
Diana @ A Little Bit of Life recently posted..God is Good – All the Time
Thankfully, those moments don’t last too long!
What a great, special post Shell! Happy Almost-Anniversary. Jeff and I have been together since we were 16. I adore him.
Ali recently posted..Random Ali Facts – Round 2
Oh wow! That’s awesome! We were only together for a year and a half before we got married.
Twitter: ITSMoments
says:
Oh, Shell…this is just perfect.
Love is an amazing thing…such a tremendous gift.
And you described it beautifully. xo
Nichole recently posted..Tagliatelle with Chicken and the Perfect Pairing
Thank you, sweet friend!
Twitter: vinobaby1
says:
Lovely, Shell, simply lovely…
Congrats on almost 9 years. Cheers to you.
Vinobaby (aka Kerry Ann) recently posted..Nike Ads & New Atitude
Thank you! It seems crazy that it’s been this long!
I am such a weepy romantic. I read this three times, because I just love the images you used. Dancing…leaping…choosing to leap into something unknown that can be both beautiful and wonderful and terrifying at different times. I am so happy you found your forever love
I’m glad you liked it! I told Ash I worried it was too sappy. But, I was in a totally-love-my-husband mood when I wrote it.
Twitter: CourtneyKirklnd
says:
What a beautiful description of love. I think that you fall deeper into it, the longer it’s a part of you. And the hard times are what bind us together. Beautiful, Shell!
So very true. Getting through those tough times did make us stronger.
Twitter: tsharp12
says:
What a great way to put it. I will never forget the time I stood in my bedroom and actually made that decision. You put it in the perfect words. Congrats on 9 years!!!
Tayarra recently posted..WW: Memories Captured
I remember that moment so clearly, too.
Twitter: jessicatorres4
says:
Always together. Perfect.
I love this moment of you imagining what it would be like in the future to explain love Shell.
Jessica recently posted..Pregnancy, Dateline, and Turning 30
It was the first image that popped into my head with thinking of a porch swing.
LOVE the analogies!! Love really is like free falling or dancing in a burning room scary but exhilarating.
Life As Wife recently posted..A Good Mother
Burning room sounds a bit scary!
Twitter: galitbreen
says:
*Swoon* Beautiful as always, sweet friend!
I love the way you covered the stages of love, so very true and so very relatable!
xo
Galit Breen recently posted..Valentine’s Day Ideas {& $100 Minted Giveaway!}
Thank you! xo
Twitter: KristenPGIP
says:
It’s wonderful to know that your friends have found their true and forever love. You can hear it in the words you chose to write the story of finding yours and holding onto it forever. I love the picture of you guys! No wonder it is one of your favorites!
Kristen recently posted..Weekend Breakfast at Our House…
It’s one of our engagement pics, but still a fave after 9 years!
Twitter: AlisonSWLee
says:
Your description of love is apt and beautiful. You’re blessed to have found true love.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Guest Star: Tonya of Letters For Lucas
Definitely blessed.
Twitter: hookdandhappy
says:
So nice! I loved your description of love. Happy (early) 9th Anniversary!
Carolyn recently posted..Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil
Thank you! Can’t believe next year is a big milestone for us.
I just love this Shell! This is a perfect description of love and those indescribable feelings!
Jayme (The Random Blogette) recently posted..Bouncin’ Around The Room
Thanks, Jayme!
Twitter: DancesWithChaos
says:
It is so true, so apt. It will be my 9th wedding anniversary this year, but January marked fifteen years as a couple.
Sometimes I wonder how we will make it. Other times, I know we will.
It is good to hear love is like that for others.
May you have many more years of dancing together.
Kelly K @ Dances with Chaos recently posted..Parenting: I’m Totally Winging It
It’s definitely not easy all the time. I tend to think people are lying when they say it is.
Twitter: Janmary3
says:
So romantic! Eeeek – I will be married TWENTY years this June … feeling very old!!!!
Janmary, N Ireland recently posted..Keeping it real! Shopping in Tesco’s #everydaylife [Flickr]
Congrats on (almost) 20 years!
Thanks – planning 4 nights in ROME to celebrate (without the kids!)
Oh, that sounds amazing! We’re trying to plan something for next year, when it will be 10 years for us. And kid-free, too!
We did Paris without kids for 10 years
Janmary, N Ireland recently posted..A drive through the Titanic Quarter in Belfast
I love that description! Soooo perfectly explained Shell! It’s amazing when you find that person you’ll spend forever with, and such a blessing!
So amazing!
Twitter: katiefhurley
says:
This is beautiful, Shell. Forever is a wonderful thing.
Practical Parenting recently posted..6 Steps for Building Self-Esteem
It is. So much comfort in forever.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
That is a perfect description. Beautiful story, Shell!
Kimberly recently posted..Dancing In My Heart
My mushy moment.
Well done and hard for me to read, but I’m glad I did. You are well and truly blessed to have each other!
I’m sorry my friend. Love you. xo
So sweet. I love the reference to telling your grandchildren about it. Thanks for sharing.
Missy | Literal Mom recently posted..Bring the Clean (Living, that is) in 2012 – Week 4 – 80/20 living
Notice I said granddaughter? I figure maybe someday, there will be a little girl around. LOL
What a beautiful metaphor for love (and marriage)!
Kristin @ What She Said recently posted..Little Girl Lost
Thank you. A little cheesy, but how I feel.
Twitter: TatterScoops
says:
Shell, such a beautiful writing about love and marriage and commitment also that courage to take the leap. I so resonate with the “Or, I could stay where it was safe and fun, just keep dancing without going anywhere.” I needed to read that part today. Thank you for this.
Maureen | Tatter Scoops recently posted..Walk At Your Own Risk!
It was tempting to stay there. Safe. But, so glad we made the leap.
Great post Shell. When the day comes if I’m asked, I’ll have to add it’s like the Titanic. Taking on water and sinking quickly. (LoL) BUT, thank God there are some life vests. (LoL)
Waving hi Ashley.
Cindi recently posted..Psalm 100; Happy Birthday Boo!
Good thing for those life vests!
Twitter: whatnowandwhy
says:
Beautiful. There is nothing like a lasting love as it gets stronger, more cemented, and stays held together.
Arnebya recently posted..Can You Tell?
That’s exactly how it is. Stronger all the time.
I love the image of you two perpetually falling, falling together. I like the different qualities of this dive. Bliss. Many happy anniversaries to you all.
Jessie Powell recently posted..Look the Lie
Thank you! For some reason, this is the image that came to me about love.
Funny how well this goes with my post today.
I love the visuals in this as well- so many directions you can take it!
Eternal Lizdom recently posted..Seal and Heidi: An Example of What I Think Is Wrong
It does- I loved your post today- very much how I feel, too.
Shell, this is beautiful.
Love is a just as you describe.
Beat line: “But, always, always: we were together.”
Wonderful.
Tonya recently posted..Dancing In My Heart
Thank you. In a lovey mood lately.
what a really beautiful way to look at it, to think about it like a dance and a leap, both things fizzy and fuzzy and scary…but better with each other there. I think that’s why it took me so long to get married, because I wasn’t ready to jump. The hand I was holding was not meant to hold me if we jumped…then John’s hand came along and my belonged there.
I know exactly how you feel.
HAPPY early Anniversary to you and your Hubs! xoxo
Kir recently posted..Pour My Heart Out: Three Little Words
I think you should turn that into your own post.
I’m so glad you guys found each other! I love hearing other people’s love stories! And who doesn’t love feeling those butterflies? Beautifully written Shell!
Natalie recently posted..Here We Go–The First Recipes!
I’m so glad, too. We were sort of an unlikely pair.
Marriage is truly like this at my house too.
JDaniel4s Mom recently posted..Just Looking at Pinterest Can Lead to Coveting
Isn’t it wonderful? xo
Twitter: mommakiss
says:
Aw, shell.
First, that’s a gorgeous picture of you two! Your kids look so much like Mr. Shell.
Love. Twu Lub. I don’t know that I could define it, it just know i * have* it.
MommaKiss recently posted..I have a confession
They are like his clones.
Oooh, I got goosebumps. Happy 9 years to you!! I knew because I didn’t have those knots of anxiety in my stomach AT ALL when I was with him. It just made sense.
Rach (DonutsMama) recently posted..Back in the Kitchen: Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Gravy
No anxiety here, either. I never thought of it like that.
Twitter: adriennesfts
says:
This is such a touching post. Beautifully written! Congrats on your upcoming anniversary!!
Adrienne recently posted..God is good, Sistas!
You described it perfectly!
Honestly, I don’t think I’d even know how to explain it should one of my kids ever ask me how to know if they’re in love but the way you’ve explained it is exactly how I’d want them to feel. Hopefully blogging will still be around in another 15 or so years and I can come back to this blog post and have them read it…LOL!
Helene recently posted..No more "bored" games for us….
Twitter: anditislove
says:
Beautiful. Just beautiful. What a wonderful love story you will have for your children and grandchildren.
christine recently posted..I am Not Done
What a fantastic description Shell!
You look almost exactly the same!
Twitter: _ScooterMarie
says:
Wow, Shell. Beautiful and amazing as always. You have described forever love to a tee.
Jocelyn recently posted..“SURPRISE!!”
Happy anniversary! What a beautiful post!
Teresa (Embracing the Spectrum) recently posted..Self-Affirmation
I’m visiting here for the second time in two days! (Yesterday following Shell’s tweet on the blog prep).
Shell it sounds like you didn’t leap, but fell. Maybe that’s where the expression comes from, “falling in love.” You will have a rich story to tell your grandkids one day.
Lady Jennie recently posted..When I Was a Princess
You made me wish for grandchildren…
But not quite yet.
Happy anniversary, beautiful lady.
julie gardner recently posted..Today call me laid