June 17, 1999 marks the day I would’ve been married 23 years. Instead of being embarrassed, I choose to celebrate. 

When I got married I thought I was doing it right, but I did it all wrong. In retrospect, I’ve come a long way, and I’m ready to right my wrongs.

Looking back on June 17, 1999…

• We eloped in Vegas instead of waiting for the wedding

• We never received premarital counseling

• I thought in order to be the best husband all I had to do was work hard, love hard, and follow God

• I barely knew who I was and tried to be the best man I could be

• I internalized a lot and my communication was poor

• I did it for love and didn’t understand the lifetime partnership

• I wanted to change her but didn’t change much

• I labeled myself as “damaged goods” after my divorce

• I divorced God after my prayers didn’t fix the problems in my marriage

• I felt like a failure because I couldn’t save my family

• I didn’t love them hoes but I liked the way they made me feel

• I hurt a lot of hearts searching for the unadulterated love I once had

• I didn’t talk to my kids about how I push through the pain. They were hurting too

I’m going to celebrate this day because…

• I’ve forgiven myself

• I trust God regardless

• I invest to appreciate who I am

• I overstand how I feel

• Less is in lessons and blessings

• I’m a grown ass mature man

• I’ll elevate my future (life, business, and accountability) partner WIFEY

• My status isn’t stapled

• I have peace, joy, and wisdom

• My past was a process and not a problem

• I’ll never get divorced again

• Love’s in need of love today and I got mad love to give