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Tuesday, December 08, 2009

To The Man


Today, we mark our 12th Anniversary. (Well, it could be tomorrow, depending on when you're reading this.) Maybe you remember last year's post. Or the 2007 version. Or the one from 2006. December 9, 1997, as we both stood in the dog food aisle of a since-torn-down Safeway in downtown Portland I asked him "If this thing was going to work out between us." And he said YES! Not a church wedding, no pretty gowns showing off our perky breasts, or little mints on the tables. No crepe paper nor roses. And no guest list, nor gifts to bring. None of that. Just a Safeway store. With him. And me. And now Mason.

I've been a tough nut to live with, there's no doubt about that. He's put up with my pickiness and "requirements." Oh boy. I have failed him in more ways that I'd care to admit. I seldom walk the dog. I have a bad attitude sometimes and I get crabby and irritated easily. I've said things to him that I regret -- those words sometimes escape my lips before I have time to stop them. I've behaved poorly. I've had moments of indiscretion and such. I've said "No" when I should have said "Yes" and vice versa. I've rolled my brown eyes and I've sighed heavily. We've had many a sleepless night and early morning. The tiredness has sometimes gotten the best of us. I've cried many times -- and he not so much. I've griped and bitched and moaned from time to time. And I have even used the "F" word in anger....imagine that. I've made him feel uncomfortable and out of place and I've taken advantage of his good-natured spirit.

And still he loves me. And I love him. Dearly in both directions. Our life together has evolved. And our individual lives have changed as well. We are older, more gray, more crinkly -- and the hours of time have marched across our faces. We are a bit less carefree, unfortunately. We've seen death and new life. And we've lived in numerous homes in Anchorage and Portland.

To the man who has shown me how to be a better person, more filled with life and spirit than I could ever have imagined, I say thank you. I love you. And I am more than happy to be living out my limited days on this planet with you. Would you accept my love, today and tomorrow? Would you accept my apologies for the times I've hurt you? Hold my hand, would you, as we continue down this road? I love you. That's all. And that's enough. Happy Anniversary.

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!! This is wonderful.

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS! That's great news. I wish you many more.

Larry Ohio said...

Congratulations fellas! xoxo

r. said...

A VERY happy anniversary to you both lovebirds!! CELEBRATE CELEBRATE CELEBRATE!! It's not too late for you to pick out a gown yet. Is it? :-)

Nathan said...

I'm so happy for you both!!

annie said...

i'm so very happy you called me that day and, through tears, told me who you really are. THAT begat the relationship you have with....sigh, my very favorite brother-in-law in the whole entire universe. congrats and PLEASE have many, many, many more. yes, that's a sissie beg.

Unknown said...

Congrats!!! Cheers to many more!!

Damien said...

Mazel Tov - best wishes for you both....


Oh........... and it is never to late work on those tough spots ............ trust me I know *sigh* :)

Ur-spo said...

a very happy anniversary to the both of you!
You are very fortunate to have each other.

Dave2 said...

Happiest of congratulations to you both! And best wishes for many more anniversaries to come!

wcs said...

Have a great anniversary! Happy twelve to you both.

DanNation said...

Yay! Congratulations!

anne marie in philly said...

(everybody sing)

happy anniversary
happy anniversary
happy anniversary
HAP-PY ANN-I-VER-SA-RY!

and many more!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Happy Anniversary!!!

Lemuel said...

Happy anniversary! May your lives be filled with many more happy years together.

Birdie said...

So sweet! These are the words anyone would love to hear. Thank you for sharing this special day with us. Happy anniversary to you both.

Anonymous said...

I so value the way you share the "warts and all" tenacity that real lasting love can exhibit! Love isn't all roses and canoodling. It is the hardest, and yet the sweetest thing that can ever grace our lives. I am so happy for you both and send congratulations with love!

LSL said...

Huge congrats to you both!

Thom said...

Happy anniversary!

Anonymous said...

Big congratulations to you both. Excellent post which resonates. Later this month we'll celebrate 9 years.

Rick Bettencourt said...

That's awesome...congrats!

Greg said...

Happy Be-Lated Anniversary!! I hope you two are keeping snuggly warm this winter.

Stephen said...

Congrats, boys!
The first 12 years is the hard part!
You make a very handsome couple & I am happy for youn both.
Hugs.

K-A said...

Happy anniversary to the both of you. Hugs!

ShawnyBoy said...

A very happy anniversary to you both. I know I've said it before, but I'm very glad you guys came into our lives. Love you both!!

Will said...

What a gorgeous tribute to Blair. Congratulations to you from Fritz and me with big hugs and much affection.

Wayne said...

Happy belated Anniversary!

Mark in DE said...

How beautiful! Congratulations.

Steven said...

Belated congratulations on reaching this milestone. Before you know it, we'll be picking out silver items. :-)