Twenty-three years ago, I was 23. I had graduated from Bethany and was a Nanny for a family in Reston, VA. I spent my days cooking amazing meals for the family and my weekends were spent in Annapolis with my then boyfriend, Lawrence.

Twenty-three years ago today, he proposed. It was kind of expected but not exactly. After he asked and I said yes, he said, “So, you want to get married this month or next?”

You see, we had already discussed the fact that my family size (youngest of 8 with already 18 grandkids) made a small wedding tricky. So the idea was to elope and then have a church blessing later.

That moment is still so clear in my mind. So much of my life was ahead of me. I thought I was grown. I thought I knew. I had no idea.

Less than two weeks later, we tied the knot at the Anne Arundel County court house. My very best friend in the world, Kris, and her boyfriend, Albert, were the only guests who could make it from my side. Lawrence’s whole family showed up.

Albert wore a brand new suit his parents had bought him for his graduation from Penn State. He wasn’t supposed to wear it yet, but he did! Thank you, Albert. Hopefully your mom still doesn’t know!

At about 3:30pm on Friday, 2/25/94, Judy Garland Sykes performed the very brief ceremony. We had dinner and cake at home. Look at these babies!

Lawrence, Kathy, Kris and Albert

Lawrence’s mom bought my bouquet. His sister, Rachel, served as one of our witnesses.

Twenty-three years ago I was 23.

If I knew then what I know now…. actually I’m glad that’s not even a real question. I made the best decision I could at the time. I followed my heart. I have three amazing kids to show for it!

Here I am, 23 years later… so much has changed.

And yet that silly girl who said yes 23 years ago is still alive and well inside of me. She’s definitely older and hopefully wiser, but she is still here.

Happy Valentines Day. 💕