October 5, 2010

A love letter

Dear T,

It really started nine years ago today, not eight.

You called me at work the day before and said, "Let's go out to dinner tomorrow night." I didn't suspect a thing until you said, "Why don't you choose someplace nice and make a reservation?" instead of "I'm thinking Casa Fiesta."

I was totally on to you.

But you still managed to surprise me.

We've just finished getting dressed, we're standing in our bedroom in our stocking feet...and you get down on the floor.

I immediately think you dropped something. Or threw out your back.

But then you look back up at me and fish something out of your pocket. And you take my hand. And you look into my eyes. And you say wonderful, beautiful words just for me. You ask me a question in that inimitable, boyish way you have. And I forget what to do, because I'm just so happy, and I can't stop looking at your handsome face, so sincere, and yet just a glint of that ornery streak I love so much. And I realize you're looking at me expectantly... Oh! Yes. YES! Yes, I will; of course I will.

Yes.

That might have been the first AND the last time we ate off of a table with a white tablecloth.

Until exactly one year later.

When we did this:



Eight years have gone by so quickly! We've made a lot of mistakes.

But this certainly wasn't one of them:



T, you are the best thing in my life. The best decision I ever made. The most generous person I know. The silliest (with your made-up songs for every situation), the most serious (about football, and the people you love), the most supportive (could.not.make.it.through.one.day.without.you), the smartest (every day you floor me), the most passionate (about me, and our future, and our families, and what you know is right...and football).

And the kindest. Watching the gentle way you care for our sick little one... I can't even talk about it.

I always knew I was capable of taking care of myself, of making it on my own, of going it alone.

But you found a way to let me keep that part of myself and somehow still be my missing piece. The love of my life. My true partner in every sense of the word.

The man who still gives me butterflies every time he calls me "Bunny."

And the man who still makes me laugh by singing songs about my butt, and manages not to roll his eyes when I call today our "Shan-iversary" every.single.year.

The two kids in that picture up there? Wow, could we tell them some stories. They have NO idea about that one thing, for example. And holy cow, that other thing is going to surprise the sh-- out of them.

And even though they knew they'd end up here, still in love, eight years later?

They had no idea it would feel this amazing.

Just think of what we'll have to look back on eight years from now! Probably even that one thing we've been talking about. And in fifty years? We'll definitely have done that other thing by then.

I can't wait.

I love you forever, no matter what.

S

10 backtalk:

Malissa said...

my "backtalk" involves tears in my coffee this morning.

that was one of the sweetest things i've read in a long time. i love your love and love that you have each other. it just makes my heart smile and feel a very real and deep sense of hope.

happy Shan-iversary!

Unknown said...

Excuse me while I go get some Kleenex and gather myself.

. . .

S, this is absolutely beautiful. I find myself celebrating your love and your commitment along side of you. Thank you for sharing this with your readers and allowing a peak into your deep, fun, committed love.

Bless you both.

Happy Day to you!

Iris Took said...

This made my eyes glint. Happy SHAN-iversary.

Is that creepy that it choked me up and we have never "met?" Since we are destined to be friends - I hope not!

LOVED seeing your wedding photos.

Lovely post and congrats!

Ky • twopretzels.com said...

I am smiling, smiling, smiling.

This is a treasure.

Happy Anniversary, friends.

Anonymous said...

Happy happy sh/anniversary T and S!!

Wrestling Kitties said...

So sweet, love the pictures, and this got me emotional and gave me chills!! Fantastic post.

Happy Anniversary to the two of you!!


P.S. I second what Iris said "Is that creepy that it choked me up and we have never "met?" Since we are destined to be friends - I hope not!"

Written Permission said...

Iris, WK: Totally NOT creepy, because we are absolutely destined to be friends. :) One of these days I'm going to have to take a tour of Toledo and meet you guys!

Iris Took said...

YES! Tour of Toledo! PS I work at the Zoo so I can really give you a good tour. YAY! I feel like we would laugh the whole time.

Wrestling Kitties said...

I know nothing about Toledo except how to get to the Zoo, Wixey Bakery & Libbey glass......but really is there a need for anything else?!

I would love to go and laugh all day....I will wear my depends.

Sarah W said...

Hey WP, just getting a quick second to catch up on blog schtuffs and I read this. And now I'm crying. This is so incredibly sweet! I hope you had a fantastic anniversary!

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