This weekend marks 20 years from when I met Steve. Yup, TWENTY YEARS! Man that's a long time.
I can still remember the night I decided he was the one for me. Not quite a Cinderella story but, in my book, as close as it gets. I met Steve my freshman year of high school. We all hung around the same circle of friends but he stuck out like a sore thumb. He was so funny, always happy, always making me laugh. I was hoping he would ask me to homecoming dance but the loser waited too long and instead his good friend Kevin Gallagher beat him to the punch. I couldn't say no, I knew poor Kevin had worked up every last bit of courage to ask me by the deep red color on his face. Besides, he was a really sweet guy (not my cup of tea at all).
Finally, homecoming dance came and I couldn't lead Kevin on anymore. He gave me his blessing to talk to Steve after I confessed that I had huge crush on him (I thought honesty was the best policy). So I worked up the courage, with the help of Kevin (I told you he was a nice guy), to talk to Steve. Luck was on my side, he had gone stag (the cocky bastard). And that was it. We talked, and laughed all night long.
His smile got me. This is the one. I knew then, twenty years ago on the bleachers in the St. Monica High School Gym, that this was the guy for me. It was such an instant connection that it's hard to explain. I just knew that from that moment on we would become best friends and it's been that way ever since.
He became my best friend and I became his. We exchanged hundreds of notes. Talk for endless hours on the phone. This is my one (and only) apology to my sisters, because of me they never got to use the phone this was p.c.w. (pre-call-waiting).
Looking back on these last twenty years it's so comforting to know that he's still my best friend the one I can (and do) tell everything. I know I won't be judged. He's my security blanket.
If there's an earthquake or thunder he instantly holds me because he knows I'm too scared to move. He takes ice cubes out of my drinks because he knows I like my water room temperature. He's my scuba buddy because hundreds of feet under water I trust no one else. He's my running partner because he keeps me motivated and stays with me (even if it means going slower) so that we can cross the finish line together.
The best way to describe how he makes me feel is safe. It's like if I close my eyes and just let myself fall backwards he would always be there to catch me.
I can't believe it's been twenty years, I can't wait to see what the next twenty will bring (other than wrinkles).
Steve: I look forward to coming across more finish lines with you. I can't imagine my life without you.
Ah how cute. Those feelings are nice to visit especially when "they" (the husbands) are driving you crazy. Wondering why we picked them to father our children. I remind myself of the day when my husband walked into my office and we locked eyes. I remember saying to myself, wow those blue eyes are so beautiful-if he's not with anyone, I will marry that man. I remind myself of that moment when I wanna put the pillow over his face for a few seconds (just to wake him)cus he fell asleep so quickly after an argument and I'm laying there fired up.
Posted by: Mary Gonzalez | October 15, 2006 at 07:36 AM
That is the sweetest thing I have ever read. I'm so happy for you and I'm sure the next 20 will be even better. Just a side note, I finished my first half marathon. I'm ready to try the whole thing. Thanks for the motivation. I hope yours went well too!
Posted by: adrienne | October 17, 2006 at 06:19 PM
Mary you know you wanna put the pillow over his face for more than just a few seconds!
I'm not the best person right now to say anything sappy, but I am happy that you have found true love with your stevie weebie. I don't know him very well but he sounds like a great guy, and he has gave you beautiful children!
Thinking back to the first time I layed eyes on my husband, I can't say I had those feelings of just knowing. I know I had this overwhelming feeling like I had known him forever, I was very comfortable with him. One of the main things that drew me to him was his ability to put me at ease and make me laugh, 2 very wonderful qualities.
We have been together for 8 years now, so something must be working =)
Posted by: Sandra | October 24, 2006 at 03:58 PM
Mary your so full of it..you actually said something nice about Pablo and on the internet!!!Just kidding , I know your in love or you wouldn't have left us to be in alligator town with your gordo!! Sorry I haven't called you back , all is well. See ya!
Posted by: Maria2 | November 12, 2006 at 05:04 PM