It's now forty minutes into our anniversary and because I've been drinking with one of our closest friends, I'm feeling sentimental. Because she and I have been talking about weddings, anniversaries, babies, and marriage, I'm feeling like the luckiest woman ever. And because it's only been one glass of wine, I'm feeling just fine and can still spell. But because I'm a lightweight, one glass is enough for me to share how I feel about you with anyone on the internet who might read it (yeah, hey Leslie, Sara and Kimi. And maybe my sister. I guess that covers everybody).
Happy Anniversary. Six years of marriage have taught me at least this one thing. Marriage is a helluva lot more fun than anyone ever said it would be. Why was it that everyone kept telling us how hard it would be? I didn't get it then and I don't get it now. Every single day--even the days I bitch a lot--I am so damn happy I'm married to you. In a world that gives more grief than praise, I am thankful to be with someone I trust and love. Someone who sits back and lets me grow on my own and come up with my own ideas and plans. And someone who never laughs a bit when my new plan changes every day..."Hey today I'll write a book. Today I'll be Pagan. Today I'll be a Baptist. Today I'll be a vegetarian. Today I'll learn to cook-especially meat. Today I'll be Dr. Ruth. Today I'll...rest."
I never thought I'd marry, really. In fact, when you first asked me out, I'd (conveniently) sworn off men. But you swept me off my feet with this line, "You're the only girl I can stand to be around, so will you go with me to this damn thing?" I said yes and I even learned to dance (ok, while standing on your toes). That night you coerced a gullible friend to chauffeur us around town and you took me to the nicest restaurant I'd ever been to with a boy. I even got wine and didn't get carded. I enjoyed the evil looks your ex gave me as we danced around the room (as far as you could get...with me on your toes...). I met your chauvinist, conservative friends, but had fun anyway.
And when you didn't kiss me goodnight...well, that's where you had me. Never mind the whole bottle of sherry the next time.
The yellow roses, the trip to GA, the present wrapping (who knew you'd do that forever for me??), finally the kiss. Remember that talk show guy whose name was G-Spot or G-Man or something? I think that show only lasted that one day.
Jump to Sept. 24, 1996, and yes of course. I'll marry you--did I say it out loud? Did you just know by the way I laughed and cried...and spent the whole night on the phone telling everyone I knew?
Jump to Sept. 27, 1997 and I do. I will. Til death do us part and ever after (thanks to a lenient minister). I didn't say hello to more than a handful of people at the reception, but that was the most fun I've ever had at a party. All those people I didn't say hello to...we also never said thank you for their presents. Hm.
Jump to July 13, 2001 and the old soul in a young body joined our family. I had no idea how much one little person could change our lives. Harder...mmm, I'd just say different. Different, with less sleep. I always knew we made beautiful music together (as long as we don't sing), who knew we'd make such a beautiful little boy??
Yellow roses, sherry drunkeness, retail hours, sweat, messy puppies, wine-stained sheets, lots of UNO and Skip-Bo, dancing on your feet, dancing in the living room, Friday night naps, 4 a.m. labor, strip poker, best buddy, Charleston, late night conversations, incredible birthdays, Halloween movie marathons, Milwaukee, 5-hour lunches in Chicago, Corbin Kentucky, Jimmy Chuck, New Year's Eve drama, I grow up like Daddy...
these foolish things. remind me of you.
I love you.
Posted by Becky at September 27, 2003 12:39 AM