06/11/2023
Exactly 18 years ago from yesterday, I got to go for a walk in the woods of Mill Creek Park with an old friend. Actually, an amazingly beautiful friend., that I had not seen for a couple months. A most pleasant sight for my eyes. I was excited. I wanted to share things with her. I wanted to catch up, and spend some time with my friend. I felt much like a teenager.
I first met Debbie when I was assigned to teach a class at WWR in January of 1997. She was the classroom aide. A temporary colleague, but an instant, lifelong friend.
That Friday afternoon walk, 11-4-2005, at the park, changed my life forever. We walked, we talked. Every once in awhile, we stumbled on the trails. My hand held her elbow. I remember her scent.
As the afternoon turned to dusk, it grew cooler. I offered her my hoodie, and as she put it on over her head, she spit out her gum. We looked at each other. We kissed.
Not an awkward first kiss, but more like the kind of kiss that cemented emotions that had been brewing under the surface for many years. A life changing moment.
I am the luckiest man in the world. I am married to my best friend. I get to look at the most beautiful woman in the world, every day. Over and over again.
I love her more today, than yesterday. More amazingly, I get to go to bed, knowing that I will be loved more tomorrow than today.
We are older. Life throws obstacles. We still walk. We still talk. Our gait has changed, so we move a little slower. She doesn’t chew gum as much.
Today, we were tired. She sat beside me on the couch. She rested her head against my shoulder. I smelled that same scent.
We kissed.
I am the luckiest man in the world.
Thank you for spitting out your gum that day in the woods. You are cherished.
