Our time here in Colorado Springs, is likely over. Since getting married 6 years ago, our lives have been on a constant journey. One I am proud to have gone on with him at my side.
I finished College and got my Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design/Art after we were married, not sure many folks had faith in me. Getting married before my last year of college must have seemed like a dumb thing to do but I’ll be honest, I needed him there for me that year. It was a hard year, it proved that marriage isn’t all cookies and a cake walk but more like a Marathon through the mud and the muck.
When we moved to Waco in 2008, all we knew was this was where we needed to be. George W Truett Theological Seminary was the right choice, we both felt that in our hearts. We went through so many trials in our second year. Horrible Landlord, being fired, having to move 3 times in 1 year, loosing my Great Grandfather, Mr.’s Mom’s Dad, and living away from friends and family for really the 1st time ever.
In, 2009 we adopted two loving kitties and I was able to better articulate my love for animal rescue and welfare. The next couple of years were very routine, I worked and supported my husband has he went to school full time and struggled with what would happen next.
But in 2010-2011 our marriage was plagued with anxiety and pain. Loosing my husband’s final Grandfather, whom everyone loved and admired to Dementia, our home robbed the weekend before Christmas, and loosing Sherwin to soon. We both struggled a bit from our experiences but we came together. We learned how to help each other through our situations, although I think he would have preferred if I had gone to counseling a bit longer after the robbery. I was plagued with anxiety attacks anytime I came home alone, and couldn’t sleep when Mr was away. This was the year we adopted Asher, my baby sister graduated from college and I dedicated my photography to animals and those that love them. We gave back, fostering dogs from the shelter and rescuing our very own kittens.
2012-2013 We moved to Colorado. I’m sure my family thinks I am trying to get away. But that isn’t it. We have this desire to go, explore and never be satisfied. I don’t ever want to be content; I want to push myself, goals, and ambitions. I want to see the world and meet the people. This year, I took a chance and gave my business 120% of myself…maybe it’s not the right time. Maybe I did something wrong. I’m not sure. I love photography and helping animals. So, I took a step back. I began volunteering and have found joy in not being paid. Joy in helping others. I also took a job that I had no experience in…Veterinary Receptionist. It has been a hard road, an exciting road and with a learning curve.
I am so proud of all he has achieved, finishing his Bachelor degree after a very difficult situation in his Education Intern class, pursuing a Masters Degree, and finding his way into a Chaplaincy Program. Something that not only he is good at but feels driven to do. I am excited about where our journey will take us next, although until then I am sure to be a nervous wreck. Uncertainty is not something I deal with well, no matter how much I have already been through.
As I look ahead, the words from After the Storm by Mumford and Sons rings in my ears…I don’t want to be afraid of whats behind or whats before…but I am. I will take my husband’s hand and we will stand tall and go to our own land, where ever it maybe.
After the Storm by Mumford and Sons
And after the storm, I run and run as the rains come And I look up, I look up, on my knees and out of luck, I look up.
Night has always pushed up day You must know life to see decay But I won’t rot, I won’t rot Not this mind and not this heart, I won’t rot.
And I took you by the hand And we stood tall, And remembered our own land, What we lived for.
And there will come a time, you’ll see, with no more tears. And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears. Get over your hill and see what you find there, With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
And now I cling to what I knew I saw exactly what was true But oh no more. That’s why I hold, That’s why I hold with all I have. That’s why I hold.
And I will die alone and be left there. Well I guess I’ll just go home, Oh God knows where. because death is just so full and man so small. Well I’m scared of what’s behind and what’s before.
And there will come a time, you’ll see, with no more tears. And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears. Get over your hill and see what you find there, With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
And there will come a time, you’ll see, with no more tears. And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears. Get over your hill and see what you find there, With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.
Happy 6 year Anniversary my love.
Stylishly Shelby 