Flanagan Clan

As I write this, Andrew has been gone for 6 hours on a business trip. This morning he and I woke up early, I helped him pack his bags, and I drove him to the nearby gas station to meet his coworker, who would be taking him to the airport. Now that he is gone, I really miss him.

At the risk of sounding sappy, on this rainy Halloween/Reformation Day, I decided that I was going to talk about how much I love my husband. Andrew is such a solid character. I am able to trust him completely, he never has big secrets (unless presents count!) that he hides from me. He’s a very honest, loyal, and loving husband. He’s also a wonderful father to our little Patrick. I know that he would never, ever try to hurt us in any way, and that he only has our best interests at heart.

Andrew is my best friend. I enjoy spending time with him (and Patrick!) far above the company of anyone else. We do practically everything together, from shopping to working out at the Y, and everything in between. I know that I can talk to him about anything, and that he’s interested in my feelings and opinions on things. That’s not to say that we don’t have disagreements on petty things. He still hasn’t convinced me that the South was better during the Civil War… I’ve been raised a Northerner. But at least we can both agree that the war is over, and what is done is done, and arguing over who was better is not going to make history change itself! What is good, though, is that we never disagree on the important things, like how we’re going to raise our children, and what we believe as Christians. There is no disputes or differences of opinions there.

One of the things that I like to stress with my sisters and unmarried friends, is that it’s good to have a strong friendship with someone before you dive into a relationship. Andrew and I were good friends for a while before anything became more serious. We definitely did not have love at first sight. I feel this helps to build a healthy relationship, because the foundation was built from common interests and enjoying each other’s company instead of over looks, which do fade over time. Don’t get me wrong though, physical attraction is also very important in a relationship. I just feel very strongly that it shouldn’t be the basis of a relationship though, but more like an added bonus!!! And, in case you’re wondering, I do find my husband very attractive.

Andrew and I have gone through many hardships. I’m not going to tell you what they all are, but believe me, we’ve had some rough times. We’ve had many trials in the two years that we’ve been married. I feel like all those things have only helped us grow stronger as a couple. They’ve also helped us mature into adults. All these things have made us thankful for having each other and Patrick, and thankful that God has blessed us richly with a warm, cozy home full of nice things, a wonderful little son who is the joy of our lives, and the chance to live in Washington, my favorite state, near my family, who have always been very loving and supportive to both of us throughout our whole relationship. We may not have a ton of money, look like super models, have a large house with a view of Rainier, drive the perfect car (though the minivan is pretty close!!!), or live like the rich, but I can tell you right now that I would not trade having Andrew for any of that. I would rather live in a shack with Andrew in the lowliest part of the world than have all those other things. I think Andrew would say the same thing.

So, I just want to tell you, Andrew, that I love you so much and even though you’ve only been gone since around 5 AM this morning, I’m already ready for you to come back home to me. Have a safe trip and buy me LOTS of birthday gifts while you’re there ;-).

Oh, and two more things:

It is my prayer that someday my brother and sisters will be equally, if not more happy, in their marriages. My job right now is to try to hook them up!!! Love you, Jon, Rachel and Diane!!! Can’t wait to see you girls at Christmas. We’ll have lots of fun baking, shopping, and hanging out together!!! Can’t wait until you’re out of the military, Jon, and don’t have to go to the Middle East anymore. Love and prayers….

Lastly, thank you, Mom and Dad, for allowing me to marry Andrew, and accepting him into our family. Most of all, thank you for the good example we (my siblings and I) all saw of you in your marriage as we were growing up. Love you lots….