All Because of a Broken Elbow

On this day, June 30, 2011, Brian and I celebrate 10 years of marital bliss. Okay, maybe "bliss" isn't quite the right word. Really, is there really anyone who can say that their marriage has been complete bliss? I sometimes joke that Brian and I never went through a honeymoon period in our marriage. It's true that things started out kind of rocky for us, and there were some (maybe many) who believed we wouldn't make it past our first year. But here we are ten years later. 10 years! Crazy how time flies when you are with the one you love.

Many people know that Brian and I met at Bingham High School. Yes, we are in fact high school sweethearts. But, with him being a year ahead of me in school and with nearly 3,000 students at Bingham, I think we are lucky to have even met. And we actually didn't meet until the last half of his senior year.

What many people may not know is that Brian and I are married today because he broke his elbow. It might sound strange, but it's true. Here's the story:

Brian was on the wrestling team at Bingham High School - surprise surprise, right? Ha. Anyway, during practice one day, as he was wrestling with a teammate, he got into a position that caused his elbow to bend in the opposite direction that an elbow normally bends. His elbow hyper-extended causing his forearm to touch his tricep and he heard a very loud pop. OUCH! His injury required surgery, two pins, a sling for several months, and ultimately his departure from the wrestling team. He was suppose to take a weight lifting class the following semester, but could no longer do so. He now had a hole in his schedule that needed to be filled. He opted for an “easy A” and decided to take a foods class, which is where we met for the first time. I thought he was really cute, but also saw him as being the "class clown" - surprise surprise again! He thought I had a beautiful smile (so he says). So you see, if he hadn’t broken his elbow, there is a very good chance that we may have never met.

And, there you have it. Boy breaks his elbow, boy takes a foods class, boy meets girl, and the rest is history...

We have laughed together, cried together, learned from each other, and leaned on one another. Each trial and triumph has been shared. We are the best of friends. We have created three beautiful children together and are dedicated to the life we have built together. I love you Brian. There is absolutely nobody I would rather be sharing this journey with and I can't imagine my life without you in it. Here's to another 10 years of bliss!