Twenty-One years ago this past June I was sitting at my best friend’s house when he walked by. One glance. Our eyes caught. I was hooked. I stalked watched him for weeks.
My Best Friend
I ran to my best friend’s house every day after school so I could watch out the window for him to walk by. Two weeks passed before I got up the nerve to actually talk to him.
A week later I threw a note into his locker and ran away while at school.
That was the beginning.
As my junior year gave way to my first “official” day of my Senior year we shared a kiss that weakened my legs and left me shaking. I knew… that very moment… that he was THE ONE.
How do you know he’s “the one?”
After 3 years of dating, he asked me to marry him on my 19th birthday. I would love to say it was completely romantic but at least it was surprising.
Surrounded by mostly my brother’s friends, he sat me down on an ottoman in the middle of my parent’s living room.
I had no clue what was coming. I wish I could remember all of his words. I saw my dad tearing up in the corner of the room. I could hear the words but was oblivious to what was said.
Until… he got down on one knee and pulled out a ring.
What are you doing? You’re not supposed to do this right now.
I asked your dad. I have his blessing.
We had a plan.
I know. But I am asking you now:
“Will you marry me or what?
Yep. Will you marry me or what?
He still catches grief for that. There are times when I wonder if I should have chosen the “or what.” But all in all… I can never regret a single moment with him.
Today, September 17, 2012, we celebrate 18 years of marriage. I wish I could say they have all been amazing. They have not. I wish I could say we have been living happily ever after.
But I can’t.
Yet we are still blissfully happy and I fall in love with him more and more every day. Every. Day.
My husband is not only my lover, confidant, cheerleader, chef, masseuse, provider, and so much more… he is also my very best friend. There is absolutely no replacement.
We have been through a separation and survived. We have 5 children together. And are surviving.
We have struggled financially. But always make it work.
Together I feel as though he and I can do anything. He holds me up when I am weak and cheers me on when I am strong. I would not be the person I am today without his passionate love for me and undying support.
Today (and every day) I celebrate my marriage to my husband. My best friend. My everything.
Happy 18th Anniversary, Mister! I love you to the moon and so much further beyond.
