Twenty-six years ago today

Twenty Six Years Ago Today…

…I said “I do” to the love of my life. David had just turned 20 and I was a couple of months shy of my 19th birthday so that means we have spent our entire adult lives together. I simply cannot imagine it any other way. Sure, we’ve had some rocky patches but the past few years especially have been just glorious.

In many ways we are so very, very different. David likes golf, action movies, video games and licorice (yuck!), while I prefer reading, foreign films, the computer and CHOCOLATE. He’s a Miracle Whip guy while I’m Hellman’s mayonnaise (Best Foods, west of the Rockies) all the way. I used to worry about about the fact that we seemingly have so little in common. But somehow that just doesn’t seem to matter. We do share the same values, the same kids, and in recent years, the same passion for New Orleans. I guess that’s enough when the package is all tied up with love and commitment.

I know we are both better people for having known the other. Perhaps because we are so different we have helped each other branch out and become more well-rounded (or is that because of my cooking?). David has helped me get past much of my innate shyness. Over the years his love has given me the deep sense of security that has allowed me to shed several layers of my normally reserved shell, allowing me to show my true self a bit more. In the same way I think my faith in him and belief in his abilities has helped him reach the potential I always knew was there.

There is something so comfortable about a long term relationship. He knows what I want from the snack bar at the movies without asking (Raisinettes and Diet Coke). I know when his stress level is too high and how to help him relax. We have our little rituals and inside jokes. We can play “remember when?” because we’ve been together for nearly 31 years and have shared most of our lives together.

Perhaps that sounds dull but being comfortable in our relationship doesn’t mean it’s lost its passion. It takes work to maintain that spark but we’re committed to doing just that. I truly believe that the most exciting and passionate relationships are built on the solid foundation of a committed marriage.

David doesn’t generally read my blog but I’m going to have him read this one and just want to say to him:

I love you with all my heart. Thank you for who you are and who I am because of you. Happy anniversary!