The Last 10 Years

This afternoon I was sitting in the Vice President's office getting signatures and, as we always do, we were discussing our families. I always ask him about his daughter because she is a Freshman in college. We told a few stories back and forth and as I was leaving he asked me how old I was. When I responded 29 he thought for a second and told me that I was 10 years older than his daughter. Then he casually asked me, "So, how have the last ten years of your life been? Because I can let "B" know what to expect." I stood there for a minute as the last ten years of my life flew through my head in a flash of memories and after a moment I said, "Awesome". He smiled and then said, "In the last ten years you've fallen in love, gotten married, started your career, gave birth to a son, gave birth to a daughter, and bought your first house. I'd say that the last ten years have been pretty awesome." We chatted for a few more minutes and then he went to lunch, but I've had that 2 minute conversation in my head all afternoon. I don't think I've ever really stopped and thought about how far I've come in the last ten years. When I do think about it I get this tremendous sense of pride in myself and in this little family that Neil and I have created together. I think about how I looked at life when I was 19 and how I thought about moving to California and leaving Georgia behind. Then I think about life now, at 29, and I know that the last ten years have been exactly what they were supposed to be. I now realize that I do not know everything, but I enjoy the present instead of dreaming for the future. I am able to spend everyday with the love of my life. No, everyday is not perfect between us, but we both realize that our relationship is the most important thing in our lives and with that knowledge, in a way, everyday is perfect. Together we have created a handsome little boy and a beautiful little girl. Everyday we get to watch them grow and that is what life is all about. I have learned so much in the last ten years, but my greatest lesson and, I believe my greatest asset, are the three people that I rush home to be with every night. I never thought I could love three people as much as I love them. They are what makes the last ten years AWESOME. They are the current memory and my future.