In a culture that is inundated with horror stories of terrible marriages, I wanted to take a moment to contribute to the world a marital success story.

Today, on our 13th Wedding Anniversary, I can look back with joy that two starry-eyed 19-year-olds embarked on a wild journey that has brought us to this blessed place today. Back then, I didn't know what a successful marriage looked like.. now I do.

I wake up everyday with the comfort of knowing that there is a strong, beautiful, intelligent, and loving woman by my side, undergirding and giving meaning to anything and everything that I put my hands to. I can't imagine my life without her by my side. Our lives have become so intertwined that they true have melded into one.. bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh. She was, is and continues to become the woman of my dreams.

Taya Jo Dragoon. What a miracle that my name is at the end of hers. I eternally grateful for the years of faithfulness, joy, excitement, and loyalty. May the next 13 years bring even more Marital Bliss!