If I can break from my normal rules of online living

I’m not one to post too much about my private life on social media, other than the justifiable nods to my sons and of course bragging rights as a grandpa.  The occasional tribute or update will usually suffice otherwise, beyond trivial and fun things.  But I thought I would take this time to let folks know it’s not from a lack of appreciation that I don’t do things like give more shout outs to those I love, especially my cherished wife.  

So I figured I would  give a shout out on this, our 33^rd wedding anniversary.  More than that, it now marks 35 years since we met.  A nice round number.  I got to thinking on it because, with the crazy of getting ready to move into a new chapter in our lives, I stumbled across this photo in an old photo album (remember those).  

It is, I believe, from her birthday party later on that day we first met.  It would be weeks before I saw her again, but that day is etched in my mind for good. It was her birthday, 1991.  I just moved to Florida, and my sister invited me to her church since I didn’t know anyone.  I recall noticing several college age girls walk in and sit down across the nave from where I was.  And then I saw her as she looked above, but in a blue and white dress with a white bow in her hair, and the others sort of faded into a blur.

During the greeting, as folks were shaking my hand and giving a friendly welcome, I noticed with some anticipation that she was making her way through the crowd toward me.  She then shyly shook my hand and welcomed me as well.  After we were engaged, I told her – and have never wavered on this over the 35 years since – that the second she shook my hand and said hello, I knew she was the one I was going to marry.  I’ve run that moment through my mind many times over the decades we’ve been together, and it never ceases to make me glad.  I certainly came out on the winning side of that deal, that’s for sure.  

So thanks for everything, you mean every bit of the world to me.  Happy anniversary.        

And yes, she occasionally visits the old blog here, so I'm assuming she'll see this. :)