Today is my anniversary. Eight years married, ten years together. A decade of building and growing a life, love, home, rest, memories, future, trials and successes. To have a champion and I get to be that for another person. To have a partner that I walk beside. We are different in many ways but we were both fully formed and differentiated when we met. Grown people.
A grafted tree is often more hearty than a sapling. The root stock is formed, reaching deeply into a foundation. My life feels sturdy and grounded. Which may sound boring but with time comes wisdom and what I know about myself is that I crave consistency, steadfastness, fidelity. Having to check and recheck things leaves me anxious. Each year improves. We have a rhythm.
It is important to like your partner. To admire and respect them. To know they are honest. That they can be trusted to defend you, catch you and take out the garbage. And that they let you take care of them. All the little things layer and amplify into a mosaic, a tapestry, a quilt. Each piece by itself is but a scrap but pieced together it is a work of beauty.
The time and attention to its creation is a testament to the love and dedication. To the vow. I love you Patrick. Thank you for this life.
