As of June this year, my partner and I are celebrating 25 years of being together and 20 years of marriage.
We were each other’s first everything. First love, first kiss, etc. I have never known a better, more generous, more loving, more hopeful person. I love her more than my heart can bear sometimes. And I know that she loves me the same. I love her more today than I did the day we wed. I fell in love with her the first time we talked. We met online back before that was super common, in the days of local BBS and mIRC, and before our first conversation ended I was smitten. I didn’t even know what she looked like or what her voice sounded like. All I had was a name, a chat handle, and a heart as light as helium.
Neither of us are perfect and we’ve hit some big bumps along the way but the truth is that our love and affection for one another is greater than any disagreements or differences we’ve faced. I can’t even fathom wanting to be with anyone else. I’m a better person when I’m with her. More dedicated, more compassionate, more patient, and more positive. One of my most troubling thoughts is whether, in death, I will see her again or be reunited with her beyond the grave. I meant it when I said “Til death do us part” but I can’t help hoping that won’t actually be the end. Because I don’t want this to end. Ever. We’re not teenagers anymore. Our joints ache and our hair is turning grey. But she is still the most beautiful woman in the world to me. And she always will be.
Our story is unique in many ways but I sincerely hope we’re not alone in having found a happy, healthy, loving partnership.
