26 Years
On December 11th, my wife and I celebrated our 26th anniversary, but this time on the road together as she accompanied me to Baton Rouge. I keep thinking back to how many of our anniversaries that I’ve missed in my travels, and they are way to many to be proud of. So this time I wanted to be different. This time I wanted to be together. This time I wanted to share this special time together even if I wouldn’t be home. And she eagerly said “yes”, and I’ve been smiling now for two straight days!
But true to form, I waited till the very last minute to get her a gift, waited till the very last minute to get us hotels and rental cars, and waited till the very last minute to make dinner reservations. But I work well under pressure. In fact, I think I excel under pressure, and she’s been smiling for the last two days as well!
But now as this trip comes to a close and as the anniversary smiles already begin to fade as we head back into the regular routine of our normal lives, I want to share why I love this particular lady so much:
- she’s beautiful
- she’s tolerant
- she’s supportive
- she’s nurturing
- she’s honest
- she’s motherly
- she’s thoughtful
- she’s adaptable
In these past 26 years, we have changed together as life has thrown us some curves that we had to quickly adjust to and as my career led us in directions that were often times unexpected and always times of challenge and great growth in our relationship. But with each curve, we found new smiles and with each move we found new friends. And with each experience we found new reasons and new ways to love each other.
These last two days have been a microcosm of 26 years – separation during work; sharing special moments with family and friends; and cherishing the short times we have together. But I’m not sure I would change much of these 26 years if I could do them over again. Separation truly does make the heart grow fonder, and the resultant independence truly does create deep roots and great strength in a relationship.
As I now look at this beautiful woman 26 years later, I still feel the very same way I felt back then – I am for sure the luckiest man in this world! I have been blessed to share this journey of life with the very girl that I couldn’t quit looking at from the time she was 14 till now. And through the smiles and the tears (of which we’ve had many over the years), when I look today, I still remember then.Â
I still wonder why she chose me, but I’m so thankful that she did!
And for that beautiful lady that has shared these 26 years with me, I love you, and I’ve loved every single minute of our lives together. Thank you for being who you are, and thank you for loving me.