Eiche fam

Today marks a pretty special milestone in our family’s story: Jessica and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary! How that time has flown; it feels like just yesterday we were nervously saying “I do,” surrounded by our amazing family and friends. But we don’t start counting from that wedding date.

For those who know us well, you know our journey began five years prior to the wedding bells. Jessica and I have been together for an amazing 25 years! Those early years of dating were just as special, filled with first dates, long road trips, and impromptu picnics, all while learning to navigate life together and building the foundation for the incredible friendship we cherish today. So, while the marriage certificate says 20, in our hearts — and to anyone who will listen — we’re celebrating a quarter century of love!

Thinking back to those early days, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. We’ve shared countless laughs (many at my expense, and I’ve grown no less dorky) and endured hardship and medical complications as well. Through it all, we have built a relationship with each other and God, becoming all the closer and stronger because of it. Far later than we wanted to, but at just the right time for Namine, we finally bought a house. The chaos shows no sign of slowing down, but in the midst of uncertainty, there is calm in the eye of the storm: our love for each other.

The wedding day itself was magical, a beautiful start to this official chapter. When I saw Jessica coming down the aisle — words seldom fail me, but they did then. She was beautiful, gorgeous, radiant; and the years have only made her more so. But the years that followed have been the real adventure. Our vows said, “for better or worse,” and we have endured hardship. We have suffered loss of family; countless surgeries and medical complications; and the promise of more complications to come. But we have enjoyed peace and comfort in each other as well. We have, of course, each other; an amazing, loving child in Namine; and above all, the eternal love of a God that does not ever change. Throughout this literal lifetime of marriage, we have learned to lean on our faith and each other.

Jessica, you are my rock, my best friend, and the love of my life. From that hesitant first kiss — and I’m so glad you did! — and those early awkward first dates to navigating the complexities of life with grace, humor, and kindness, you make every day brighter. Your strength and love inspire me every single day. Thank you for being you, for being my partner in crime, my “evil love,” and for building this beautiful life with me.

To our Namine, thank you for being our biggest cheerleader, our “helicopter child,” and for loving us even through our failings. No parent is without mistakes, but in spite of ours, your selflessness, love, and humility are evident to all. We love you.

And to our incredible family, thank you for filling our lives with so much love and joy. You are the heart of our world, no matter how far away we are, and we are so grateful for each and every one of you.

Today, we’re raising a glass (of water, or maybe root beer) to 25 years of “us,” to the adventures we’ve had, and to all the exciting ones that lie ahead. We’re so lucky to have each other and to have all of you in our lives.

Here’s to another 25 years — and many more! — of love, laughter, and making memories together!