Here we are 14 years later, a little older and maybe a little wiser. I know the critics thought this would not last. You know who you are. After all, we were young kids when we got married. I was only 21 and you were about to turn 25. When I think about our girls getting married at 21, it horrifies me. I have decided they are not to date until they are 30. Can I really do that?
Unfortunately, I would have to admit in our years together after all the angst in our life, there were times I just wanted to run away. I realize most couples feel like that from time to time and I'm sure you felt the same. I'm glad that I put those thoughts to rest. We have been through a lot in or 16+ years together. We have had and still have a lot of growing up to do. I think when you start a relationship young and with a young immature mentality it tends to carry on into adulthood. Slowly but surely we are overcoming that.
We are so much alike. We both enjoy the same things, we love a good laugh and have a good time together. Another way we are alike is we think more highly of the other than of ourselves. We both know how to push one another's buttons. I guess that tells me that we know one another really well.
I am so proud of you. I love that you are willing to play with our girls. I love how you started to really listen to the things I want in our relationship. I love how you recently surprise me at work with lunch. I love that when you can, you want to pick up the girls early at daycare so they are not the last one’s there and so as you put it “they feel loved.” I love that you think I can decide what is best for you because you don't realize what wonderful gifts you possess. You are important, loved, and a wonderful friend. We can be stupid together. You have never shut me up. I'm sure there has been times that would have been warranted. You let me be silly, crazy, obnoxious and loud. You let me tell corny jokes and dance silly and never act like you are embarrassed by me. You most importantly let me be me. I never wanted to admit this to you, but you have taught me a lot of things I never knew. Growing up as a 1st generation Filipino-American I never wanted to admit I was clueless about a lot. The one thing that stuck out the most was 16 years ago you introduced me to quiche. On the menu, it said “Quiche of the day” I thought it read “Quickie of the day.” I though perhaps this is a fast meal or …..yes my mind wondered. But of course It seems trivial and funny now, but hey, who knew?. Obviously, not me.
As the Chinese zodiac points out we are perfect for one another, me being a horse and you tiger. Here is to agreeing with that. I know we are the only one's who would put up with one another. I know there is no such thing as "happily ever after" like the books I tend to read. This I know is real. This is life. This is our life. This is us!
Thank you for listening and sometimes pretending to listen to me all these years. That should count for something.
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Then (1997) |
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Now (2013) |
