11th Anniversary Post: Our Story Written For Us
Dear Readers,
This is a story for Us.
The people before kids.
The man and woman who first started this courtship....
Benjamin Michael Goins
Crystal Hernandez Tanyag
There is power in remembering where we came from and who we still are even a decade or so down the road...
When we met on Match.com- 13 years ago- we quickly became each other's faithful companion.
Life was different then and was spent a majority of the time apart. Crystal, you had just started your teaching career and was working a part time waitressing job. Ben, you were in your last two years of med school finishing up your clinical rotations.
In quiet, lonely moments within the daily pursuits of your career ambitions, you had each other.
Email. text. pictures. FaceTime.
and the occasional visit here and there was enough for you both- to make that initial bond and eventually fall in love.
Dates around the country felt more like adventures.
Whether it was studying for the next big exam or applying for residency,
Ben, you were secure in the fact that Crystal had your back- cheering you on.
Crystal, you were excited to be on the sidelines cheering for a man who worked hard for his future.
Was the physical attraction there? Of course and still is!
Was there a connection and spark? Well, yes. especially when we finally met in person.
But, what was it really that drove each of us towards each other?
It was a shared vision for a better future self and the hope of marriage and family one day.
Throughout the year and a half of dating, both you, Ben and Crystal, proved to be hardworking, loyal, dedicated, and resilient individuals that chased fervently after what he or she wanted in life. You both weren't ashamed of voicing your opinions and, what you did believe in, you believed with all your hearts.
When moving to South Carolina came on the table for a possible residency match, it was that man and woman you exemplified yourselves to be that made the decision to marry a little easier to commit to.
You came into marriage as two very strong individuals and it's that strength that has carried you the last eleven years.
Well that- and Jesus.
Jesus first entered your hearts when you both tried marriage without Him.
You were failing miserably, divided, and lost.
Luckily, you were surrounded by people who genuinely loved Him and modeled a life with Him that you both couldn't pass up.
It started with a choice.
It quickly changed into a commitment.
Then, it became all you knew of in terms of life and love.
Eleven years later, we have nothing but faithful praises and blessing to tell about.
We are each still honorable individuals- loyal, hardworking, and dedicated to our family and future.
We are respectable professionals- doctor and teacher.
We have (almost) five beautiful children who we are growing up to know and love the Lord.
We welcome forgiveness, prayer, laughter, and unconditional love into our family always.
We have hard talks even when we don't know what to do about them.
When things get rough, we value each other as worthy of change and love.
Yesterday, was the same day we got married 11 years ago- the day before Easter.
We had a vow renewal ceremony planned with a big party after.
Then, we were set to leave on a Just Us adult vacation to a beach house in Florida today.
COVID happened and all those plans got cancelled.
Yesterday, I spent most of the morning of our anniversary crying- mourning both the chance to (1) celebrate and witness to our own kids, friends, and family the value of our marriage and (2) the chance to get to know each other more outside of duty and obligations at home.
In that reaction, I realized that I really needed to reacquaint myself with our story- before the house, the jobs, and the kids.
Quarantine does something in you that messes with your emotions and perceptions of life.
After telling our story, I am convinced that, both Ben and I are still strong people.
We desperately need more time to ourselves but our love for each other and our family- remains unequaled.
I write our story out today so I don't fail to remember that-
Ben- you have always been and will continue to be my faithful companion.
And, I, still am yours as well.
Here is a picture of our vow renewal attire in the backyard.
We decided to get dressed up anyways. WHY NOT.
I'm grateful for our 11 years of marriage and I can't wait to celebrate more!
Love. Always,
Crystal
The man and woman who first started this courtship....
Benjamin Michael Goins
Crystal Hernandez Tanyag
There is power in remembering where we came from and who we still are even a decade or so down the road...
When we met on Match.com- 13 years ago- we quickly became each other's faithful companion.
Life was different then and was spent a majority of the time apart. Crystal, you had just started your teaching career and was working a part time waitressing job. Ben, you were in your last two years of med school finishing up your clinical rotations.
In quiet, lonely moments within the daily pursuits of your career ambitions, you had each other.
Email. text. pictures. FaceTime.
and the occasional visit here and there was enough for you both- to make that initial bond and eventually fall in love.
Dates around the country felt more like adventures.
Whether it was studying for the next big exam or applying for residency,
Ben, you were secure in the fact that Crystal had your back- cheering you on.
Crystal, you were excited to be on the sidelines cheering for a man who worked hard for his future.
Was the physical attraction there? Of course and still is!
Was there a connection and spark? Well, yes. especially when we finally met in person.
But, what was it really that drove each of us towards each other?
It was a shared vision for a better future self and the hope of marriage and family one day.
Throughout the year and a half of dating, both you, Ben and Crystal, proved to be hardworking, loyal, dedicated, and resilient individuals that chased fervently after what he or she wanted in life. You both weren't ashamed of voicing your opinions and, what you did believe in, you believed with all your hearts.
When moving to South Carolina came on the table for a possible residency match, it was that man and woman you exemplified yourselves to be that made the decision to marry a little easier to commit to.
You came into marriage as two very strong individuals and it's that strength that has carried you the last eleven years.
Well that- and Jesus.
Jesus first entered your hearts when you both tried marriage without Him.
You were failing miserably, divided, and lost.
Luckily, you were surrounded by people who genuinely loved Him and modeled a life with Him that you both couldn't pass up.
It started with a choice.
It quickly changed into a commitment.
Then, it became all you knew of in terms of life and love.
Eleven years later, we have nothing but faithful praises and blessing to tell about.
We are each still honorable individuals- loyal, hardworking, and dedicated to our family and future.
We are respectable professionals- doctor and teacher.
We have (almost) five beautiful children who we are growing up to know and love the Lord.
We welcome forgiveness, prayer, laughter, and unconditional love into our family always.
We have hard talks even when we don't know what to do about them.
When things get rough, we value each other as worthy of change and love.
Yesterday, was the same day we got married 11 years ago- the day before Easter.
We had a vow renewal ceremony planned with a big party after.
Then, we were set to leave on a Just Us adult vacation to a beach house in Florida today.
COVID happened and all those plans got cancelled.
Yesterday, I spent most of the morning of our anniversary crying- mourning both the chance to (1) celebrate and witness to our own kids, friends, and family the value of our marriage and (2) the chance to get to know each other more outside of duty and obligations at home.
In that reaction, I realized that I really needed to reacquaint myself with our story- before the house, the jobs, and the kids.
Quarantine does something in you that messes with your emotions and perceptions of life.
After telling our story, I am convinced that, both Ben and I are still strong people.
We desperately need more time to ourselves but our love for each other and our family- remains unequaled.
I write our story out today so I don't fail to remember that-
Ben- you have always been and will continue to be my faithful companion.
And, I, still am yours as well.
Here is a picture of our vow renewal attire in the backyard.
We decided to get dressed up anyways. WHY NOT.
I'm grateful for our 11 years of marriage and I can't wait to celebrate more!
Love. Always,
Crystal
Comments
Post a Comment