A Fort Myer Wedding

Today, my husband and I attended the wedding of a beloved friend...part of our military family. We have known each other for twenty years. From our early days at Fort Bragg to recent times when work and life commitments sometimes keep us from seeing each other as often as we like, we have been there for each other through good times and bad. The wedding was absolutely beautiful, from the ceremony at the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel to the reception at the Army Navy club. The bride has always been like a sister to me. Four months my senior, I have looked up to her in many ways. She has always been one of the strongest, most independent, most passionate women I have ever known. And although she may not even know it, she has been a fitness role model of mine for a very long time. We both served on active duty. While my injuries and issues kept me from going as far as I wanted to go in the military, she met each and every problem like it was a challenge to be overcome, spitting into the face of adversity. The pain I say is merely potholes in the road? She would drive through them, then say "Bring it on." Every now and then, you have a friend, a loved one, that you can honestly say.."When I grow up, I want to be like her". She is that loved one. This photo was taken a couple of years ago at an event I attended with my military family. Back then, there was a bit more of me than I liked, between fifteen and twenty pounds I'd say. This photo has been on our refrigerator since. This is the photo that gives me inspiration to make better choices...to live a healthier life every day.

This photo was taken today. Its a better day than it was two years ago. We were all together again. But things have changed. We are different now. We all work out. We all eat better. Someday soon, I hope we can take a new photo...this time with her wonderful new husband. Congratulations...