Celebrating the Joy in Life
Tomorrow
will be the 9th Anniversary of the day I met my husband, Todd. Since
that meeting profoundly changed both of our lives, we celebrate it with more
joy and gusto than our wedding anniversary.
Before
February 7, 2005 (B.T. in my parlance) I was grateful for my blessings;
however, after Todd & I met, the colors of the sunrise and sunset seemed
more saturated, the taste of Cabernet Sauvignon on my tongue was richer, the
landscape seemed more lush, the air smelled fresher, the sun seemed to fill me
with a different warmth, the winter air was more invigorating, and everything
seemed right.
No
doubt a great factor involved my change of attitude in accepting people for who
they are rather than seeking to mold another human into my ideal. That had not
worked out so well in the past.
I
resolved to learn from my prior experiences. By age 45 I had a fair idea what I
didn’t want in a relationship; but I wasn’t entirely certain what I did want. I
needed to find out what characteristics in a life partner were critical and
which were deal breakers. I took time to make my list and before focusing on
the list I added, subtracted and edited until I was comfortable. Then I decided
to ask my angels and the universe to bring us together. This time there would
be no compromise. I deserved to be happy. I would not settle.
BT I
had already made the decision to avoid marriage. I wanted to preserve an escape route and
legal entanglements created complications. My brother encouraged me to try online
dating sights and I figured there was nothing to lose but a few hours of my
time and much to gain – new people and experiences. After a series of
unremarkable one date wonders, Todd & I scheduled a last minute Monday
night meeting for a drink at The Tasting Room in Frederick, Maryland. Neither
of us had any expectations. But Wow! Kismet! Almost immediately I knew I wanted
it all – love, commitment, marriage, and a lifetime. It hit me like a lightning
bolt. And I’ve never looked back.
Of course
there are moments that are less than blissful. But those are rare. Everyday is
a celebration of life and I’m now committed to reaching at least 96 – so we can
celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary.
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