My Two Anniversaries
But every February, I must look at the calendar to remind myself of the exact date of Joe’s and my 2015 wedding (the 23rd).
While our Hawaiian nuptials were beautiful and relaxing, they were also born of necessity. Nine years ago, Hawaii was one of the only states that allowed same-sex marriage. (Later in 2015, gay marriage would become legal in all 50 states.)
The February wedding anniversary has a practical element.
Our true origin as a couple—when we came into each other’s lives—dates back to 2001. We first spoke on Sweetest Day, which is always the third Saturday in October.
I remember this fall anniversary unfailingly. We had a soporific conversation, during which Joe wooed me by singing the praises of his Tupperware broccoli steamer. I nodded off. In retrospect, we were already soul mates; he didn’t think he had to try that hard to win me over because it was already in the stars.
For our initial rendezvous, we went to the now-defunct Sushi Rock across the street from my downtown digs. It was “Tsunami Night.” Joe had not yet acquired a taste for sushi and ordered chicken. When we got to the sharing part of the date, I talked about everyday things like family, education, and interests. He confided to me that he thought he had Anthrax poisoning.
We like to indulge in reminiscences even as we actively make new memories. Five jobs, two houses, four dogs, two cats, and two merged families later, the past is prologue.
My life with Joe is my greatest accomplishment and a work in progress. Two days from now, we get to celebrate Sweetest Day in London, one of our favorite cities.
Each morning, before the phones come out and the dogs demand to be fed, we check in with each other over coffee at 6 a.m. Whether we are about to embark on one of life’s big adventures or plan a routine day at the home office, we both feel lucky to have a shared past, present, and future.
We are just getting started.
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NOTE: I will be 236 feet below sea level next Thursday, taking the Eurostar train from London to Paris. Therefore, next week’s post will likely be published outside the usual schedule.
While our Hawaiian nuptials were beautiful and relaxing, they were also born of necessity. Nine years ago, Hawaii was one of the only states that allowed same-sex marriage. (Later in 2015, gay marriage would become legal in all 50 states.)
The February wedding anniversary has a practical element.
Our true origin as a couple—when we came into each other’s lives—dates back to 2001. We first spoke on Sweetest Day, which is always the third Saturday in October.
 |
| Joe's broccoli steamer |
For our initial rendezvous, we went to the now-defunct Sushi Rock across the street from my downtown digs. It was “Tsunami Night.” Joe had not yet acquired a taste for sushi and ordered chicken. When we got to the sharing part of the date, I talked about everyday things like family, education, and interests. He confided to me that he thought he had Anthrax poisoning.
We like to indulge in reminiscences even as we actively make new memories. Five jobs, two houses, four dogs, two cats, and two merged families later, the past is prologue.
 |
| Westminster, 2022 |
Each morning, before the phones come out and the dogs demand to be fed, we check in with each other over coffee at 6 a.m. Whether we are about to embark on one of life’s big adventures or plan a routine day at the home office, we both feel lucky to have a shared past, present, and future.
We are just getting started.
--
NOTE: I will be 236 feet below sea level next Thursday, taking the Eurostar train from London to Paris. Therefore, next week’s post will likely be published outside the usual schedule.
Happy sweetest day, boys. Xxx
ReplyDeleteNo better place to be for your Anniversary than London Peter ! ! ! Congratulations ! !
ReplyDeleteProud to know you two. Davis
ReplyDelete"Tsunami Night." Wow. Congratulations X
ReplyDeleteI can’t say I know a happier couple. You are so different and the same. Life has been good for you and I know you will continue to be happy with each other. 🥰
ReplyDelete