One year ago today, I married my best friend, my soulmate, and the love of my life. And although we've spent the vast majority of this year apart, I welcome our anniversary with the joy and satisfaction that I would feel if we'd been together. It has not been the easiest year for either Mike or me, and we've dealt with more than our fair share of challenges. But isn't that how it's supposed to be? Too often, young people view marriage as the happy ending to a story, when in reality, it's the beginning of a long, unpredictable journey. And frankly, there's nobody else with whom I'd rather travel this road than my wonderful husband, Mike.

So I raise my glass (err...water bottle) to marriage, which is so much more than I ever thought it would be, and to the future, which looks incredibly bright at this very moment.

I love you, Mike. Happy Anniversary.