The first time I saw her, if my memory is correct, was on Monday night, January 14, 1980.  Our first date was Friday, March 28, 1980.   Somewhere in between a friendship that will never end began, during breaks in our night classes at Gateway Technical. 

The exact date I fell in love with her is unknown.   All I know is it was long before I admitted it to myself, and even longer before I nervously confessed it to her.  My memory is usually pretty good, but now, more than 30 years later, I can’t remember what it was like not to be in love with her.   Sometimes, I suspect I was in love with her long before we met, possibly from the day of my birth, if not before. 

We were married thirty years ago today, on Saturday, August 15 1981.  I am thankful for all of the time we’ve spent together.  For the past 30 years, we’ve been travelling companions exploring the deep and mysterious realms of the heart and soul.   Our journey so far has revealed, in the depth of our love, truth and beauty far beyond what I could have ever imagined.   Every morning, when I wake up next to her, my soul is renewed and refreshed, and in that moment, all pain and cynicism and defeat are laid to waste, and love and hope and faith are restored, and I am sustained.

Happy anniversary, Debbie.  Thank you for your kindness, your courage, your heart, your strength.  Thank you for your eyes, your face, your skin, your grace.  Thanks for your friendship, your companionship, your understanding, your love.  For all you’ve given me, I remain devoted to you, and forever yours.