Happy Anniversary

Seven years ago, my life changed and my world was turned upside down. Sunday was the 7th anniversary of Karen and my first date. Tomorrow is our 3rd wedding anniversary. I do not have the words to describe what having Karen in my life for the past 7 years has meant to me, but the first two that come to mind are love and magic.

I am not a poet and will not even attempt to describe love except to say that the love I feel for and from Karen is something that transcends the sum of its parts. For lack of a better term, I will call it a magic bubble.

There is magic both inside and outside of the bubble. Outside the bubble it takes the form of strength and confidence. We are both passionate about life and work in similar ways. Our interests lead us on a path of continued learning, and learning leads to further interests and new directions on the path. I think that by encouraging each other to follow our passions, we have a better chance of making our dreams into reality. Even at times when reality will not cooperate at all with the realization of dreams, I think it still helps us keep sight of the meaning in our lives and of the things that are most important, and helps us to keep on keepin’ on when things are the hardest and no relief is in sight.

Inside the bubble is a magical place where it is safe to be ourselves. There is no need to worry about what other people will think of us or how those judgments will affect our lives. If it is outside the bubble where we can help each other to maximize our strengths, it is inside the bubble where can help each other to overcome obstacles and to accept the parts of ourselves that we have the hardest time accepting. Inside of the bubble we can relax and process the world. We can solve problems as a team. As K’s mom says, we work well in tandem.

My favorite thing about being with Karen is that it is so easy! We have fun and make each other laugh all the time for no reason other than just enjoying each other’s company. It’s not like we never get mad at each other, but we are pretty good at resolving things as they come up rather than after resentment builds up or a bunch of small things become one barely definable big problem. I need things to be clear and honest. I have a really hard time processing things that are not what they appear to be. Karen respects this about me to the point of telling me what is on her mind even if she is afraid of hurting my feelings. I know that is a big deal for her and I appreciate it more than I can ever say. I return the favor by telling her what I am feeling even at times when I would rather be having my teeth drilled than talking. Somehow, both of us doing something that is very hard for us ends up making being together seem impossibly easy. If anyone understands how that can happen, I would be very curious to find out!

I don’t know why I get to be so lucky to have Karen in my life, but I am thankful for it every day. Happy anniversary, K!

5 thoughts on “Happy Anniversary”

  1. Because I am so overcome to the point of (happy) tears, I can only say, somewhat lamely but enthusiastically – DITTO! I love you sweetheart 🙂

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  2. Thank you so much for posting this! This was one of the best descriptions of a real, working love that I have ever read. My best to you both!

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  3. Aaah – I was just going to suggest that you print it out and put it in your wedding anniversary card……but then I read the comments.
    Best wishes to you both

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