Fifteen years ago today, on what would have been my dad’s 56th birthday (Happy Birthday, dad, I miss you), under a window-rattling thunder clap, the most beautiful woman in the city said “I do” when asked if she would marry me.
The thunder was a nice touch. Even the gods were celebrating the union of soul-mates. Or maybe they were just warning this amazing woman away from the guy with the Flock of Seagulls haircut. (Jeez, dude it was THE NINETIES already! What were you thinking? At least the tie was real . . .)
Our First Family
Ah Huntsville, know how to welcome a guy to town. Despite the storm that made getting to the Weeden House for the reception a little soggy, the day was the best of my life because she decided to spend the rest of her life with me.
I suppose the blessing we received from Jeebus and the EggBeaters musta worked.
__________
I am a lucky man.
Nearly every day of the past fifteen years I’ve been allowed to laugh, hold, cook, build, cry, and fall in love with all over again with my best friend.
I am a lucky man.
When I’m worried, she brings me comfort.
When I’m melancholy, she brings me laughter.
When I am totally batshit crazy, she grounds me and loves me back to reality.
When I’m off chasing an obsession (I’m looking at you HCS), she gives me boldness and reminds me to laugh at the ridiculousness of it all (Re-WHAT-alous?)
When I’m so focused on the inner monologue (that often has a thousand voices), she sings to me, piercing the cacophony, and draws me back out of myself.
I owe her everything.
I am a loved man, and for that, I am amazed.
I love you, sweetie. Thank you for being my partner in this crazy, wonderful life.
r
You’re never totally batshit crazy, are you? You do surprise me, sir.
Oh of course not!! I’m the sanest person I know!!
[pay no attention to the overuse of the slammers!!!]
Sanest — and sweetest, I think. Any woman who would pick up an obviously rambunctious dog in her wedding finery must be a loving lady who knows what matters most.
We did love that dog. And yeah, she was crazy.