Today Leslie Celebrates a Wedding Anniversary That Almost Didn’t Happen

Today is my 9th wedding anniversary of being married to my husband, Quenton. Like every marriage, we have had our ups and downs. Sharing a life with somebody can be difficult, especially when you both carry a lot of baggage.

And, when I say both, I mean, mainly me. As much as I would like to be able to say that I have done a wonderful job of making our relationship a beautiful and lasting one, I have not. From the very beginning, the scares from my past, although for the most part healed, would open up very easily. I have been quick to question motives, extra sensitive to comments or actions, insanely moody, and not at all trusting. I have cried, yelled, been silent, cried, yelled, been silent, and repeated those things over and over again.

I have thought, many times, about leaving him, or rather setting him free from me, not because I didn't love him, but because I did. I have given him every reason to leave me. Looking back, he should have left, or I I should have let him go. But, after feeling the kind of love I did for him, I couldn't bare to set him free. Quenton has shared with me that he too thought about ending our marriage, but he couldn't let me go either. It's love that makes you stay.

He has been very patient, kind and understanding. Many moments were tense and emotions were high, but he never gave up on me. He did everything he could to ease my mind and gain my trust. I really never thought, with all that has happened and all of my issues, that we would be celebrating 10 years together and 9 years married. Even though, at times, the temptation to leave it all behind and be free of me and my emotional wounds seemed greater than his love for me, he stayed.

I loved him from the moment I saw him. He was the ONE. To think that I tested him so much and tried so hard to ruin it, makes me feel so grateful to have him in my life today. He is everything I ever wanted, strong, funny, intelligent and kind. He was meant for me. After 10 years together, my heart still skips a beat when I look into his eyes and see him smile.

After a divorce, Quenton was the love I thought I would never find. He is my knight in shining armor who brought me back to life and rescued, not only me, but my kids too. When my children need him, he is always there to cheer them on, support them, advise them, give them money, move their furniture or fix what ever is wrong. And, as a grandfather, he is the very best. I cherish every moment of our time together and thank God for him everyday.

The journey to get where we are today has been rocky, but it was SO worth it. Here are some pics and videos to celebrate my love for Q.

Years ago, at a wedding reception, I was trying to take a selfie, but instead, I took a video. Although it's only 11 seconds, it sums up our relationship perfectly. Me, confused and bossy, him, just shaking his head and following direction. HAHA.

Posted by Leslie Morgan Ling on Friday, November 6, 2015

Yes, I ran out of gas. LOL

We are proof that if love was meant to be, it will be. It's not always easy, but it's worth it. Today, we are closer and more in love than ever before. We both had a lot to learn about maintaining a healthy relationship, how to let go, fully, of our separate pasts and to accept each other, the good AND bad, of exactly who we really are. Instead of going through life like you are living with an enemy that is about to hurt you, we help to heal and support each other while trusting fully in the love we have for each other and the life and family we have built.