When it comes to marriage, Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines are in it for the long haul. Over the course of their nearly two-decade union, they’ve experienced ups and downs and overcome hardships, just like any other relationship. The 44-year-old Fixer Upper star penned a personal essay for the new fall issue of Magnolia Journal, opening up about she and her husband’s journey. “In our 20 years of marriage, Chip and I have experienced a little bit of all of it,” Joanna wrote. “Losing a loved one. Shifts in friendships. Bills we couldn’t pay. Moments where our hearts were broken. Times when all hope felt lost and circumstances were out of our control. When all I could think to do was lay face down on the floor in surrender.” The mom-of-five added that one of the “heartbreaking things” they’re preparing to experience now is a bird leaving the nest, as their oldest son Drake, 18, is starting college this fall. “In the grand scheme of heartbreaking things, this one comes with a lot of gratitude and excitement. But still, my first child is moving away, and our family dynamic will change because of it, and that can feel like a loss of its own. I catch glimpses now of what that life will look like and wonder if—or how many times—that might bring me to the floor,” the home design expert expressed. In June, Joanna and Chip celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary, with the Texas entrepreneur posting a photo on Instagram of the pair cuddled-up in a dining booth. “19 years ❤️,” she captioned the endearing snapshot, adding a hashtag that read: “I like you a lot.” In last year’s May 2021 summer edition of the pair’s inspirational quarterly magazine, Chip penned a note of his own, giving insight on how he stays dedicated to being a good husband and loving father. “When I look out across the whole landscape of my little corner of the world, there are plenty of places where I fall short,” the 47-year-old admitted at the time. “I’m known to be easily distracted, for one thing. In general, me and time have this way of losing track of one another. And sometimes, I can let some of the commitments I’ve made slip through my hands.” The home renovation wizard continued: “But there are other commitments—the big ones—that I hold on to with everything I’ve got. Honoring Jo, being a good dad, my faith, trying to do what’s right even when it’s not easy, building something that helps other people. Those are commitments I’ve made that I won’t compromise. My non-negotiables. No matter how much the details and circumstances of my life may change, and no matter what storms come my way, you watch: I’m going to get those right.” In addition to their first-born son, the couple also shares four other children: Ella Rose, 15, Duke, 14, Emmie Kay, 12, and Crew, 4. More News: Dunkin’ Announces Fall Menu, Release Date for All Things Pumpkin Kris Jenner Shares Throwback Photos on Instagram in Honor of Daughter Kylie’s Birthday NSYNC’s JC Chasez Joins TikTok, Debuts New Hair
