Twenty-one years ago, best friends were married.

July 31, 2004, was a beautiful, sunny (i.e. HOT) day. That square on the calendar marked the beginning of a new life. No longer just Jason & Susan – we became “the Newmans” that day. A unit. A family. One.

We have grown since that day—in figurative and literal ways.

We are wiser since that day.

Since that day, we have strived to be known for kindness & gentleness, and for leadership & loyalty.

We are more patient since that day.

And as happy as we were that day, now we have deep joy.

We could have never imagined this day on that day.

July 31, 2025, is another beautiful day – albeit a little cooler. This square on the calendar is still the beginning of a new something. But 21 years later, we are still more than just Jason & Susan. We are still “the Newmans.” We are still one. One unit in the eyes of our God. One family in the eyes of our community.

There is gratitude that we woke up next to each other this morning, thankfulness that, although the house is quiet as I write this morning, there are four more sleeping Newmans under this roof, and joy that today we remember and celebrate who we were, who we are, and who we will become.

July 31, 2026, will be yet another new something, too. Like all of the years before, there is uncertainty looking forward. But, unlike all of the years before, there is a little more anxiety and fear of the unknown in our mind today.

Still, we are the Newmans! Forever and always.

“Rejoice always.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16