39 Years...

Dear wife,

What can I say,
Thirty nine years is a long time.
I remember when I first saw you.
I was caught up and entangled,
In your dark brown hair and soul when you
Turned around and stared at me for
Those few brief seconds.

You smiled at me and then turned around
And continued your conversation with your friend.
My life was forever changed.
Your eyes sparkled in the morning sun.
You had no idea the power you had over me.

Earth stood still.

When you looked in my eyes and said “I do,”
Or whatever it was that you said I was so happy.
We would love then laugh then love again and again.
So in love. Two silly chirping birds building a nest.

You were the most beautiful pregnant.
Your swollen body was so effervescent of life.
Your belly protruding, announcing, or rather,
Declaring life, declaring expectancy
Apprehension yes, but with promise.

With two children, love, happiness, and stress were all
Jumbled together. Somehow we got through it--I think.
Well the love, happiness, and stress hasn’t stopped.
Our children, whether six or sixty, will always give us
A certain measure of worry. It is what it is.
It continues as with life.

The kids soon found their own journey and left.
It was sad, but then again,
It was just you and me kid.
We stared at each other and fell in love all over again.
The passion exploded. We were kids again.
Silly chirping birds.

Then one day,

The passion eventually and inexplicably gave way to anxiety,
“What’s happening to me,” you pleaded to me with your eyes.
And the anxiety gave way to fear.
I couldn’t solve it. I felt so helpless.
This inability gave way to anger.
I swung with both fists but hit nothing.

Healing eventually came to both of us.
Determination and grace brought back the peace.
And the love.

What can I say.
Thirty nine years is a long time.
Wife, lover, confidant, friend.
No one knows us like us.
I love you wifey. I will always love you.