by Sharon Mazaka

Created on: February 05, 2009

My husband and I are celebrating our sixteenth Wedding Anniversary this month. The question is marriage really worth it? My answer would have to be yes. As a young girl, I grew up with parents that had a good marriage. The image of my parent's marriage influenced my dream of getting married some day. That dream became a reality for me on February 27th 1993.

My husband Stephen and I dated for a year and a half before we got engaged. I remember the excitement when Stephen proposed to me on a carriage ride through the North End of Boston. My dream of getting married was coming true. Right away, I began planning our wedding. The day of our wedding, I felt like a princess in my white beaded wedding gown. As my dad walked me down the aisle of the crowed church, my attention was focused on marrying the man I loved, standing at the altar.

Compromising became an instant part of our marriage. Our home was filled with frilly curtains, scented candles and smelly sports equipment. We also had to adjust to each other's style of living. My husband's dirty clothes on the bedroom floor, soon found their way into the hamper. My hair products and makeup that cluttered the bathroom were put away in a draw to make room for my husband's shaving equipment. We spent our weekends, going shopping, and dining out with friends and watching baseball, football, or any other sport my husband could watch.

Soon the responsibilities of paying bills, lack of communication, arguing, began to put a strain on our marriage. The dream of being married was beginning to exceed my expectations. I started to question the meaning of marriage. That answer came when I found out I was pregnant with our son Joe. My husband and I were ecstatic about having a baby and my doubts of marriage were overcome with joy.

When my son was born that opened up a new chapter in our marriage. Having a child changed things. It wasn't just my husband and I anymore. We had a child to raise, the challenge of raising a child put our marriage to the test .Stephen worked longer hours at his job. I was home taking care of Joe. Things were crazy for a while. It's hard to juggle parenthood and marriage. After Joe was born, Stephen and I made sure we spent quality time together. We took the time to have a date night each week and spend an occasional weekend away. Our son Joe is fifteen now and is a fantastic kid. Stephen and I are still happily married. My dream of getting married became true.

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