Mine.

It’s been 13 years since our first date. We called it our “practice date” for the real thing on the following night. But who am I kidding, it was real. Monica and I had talked for years online via chat rooms and instant messaging. I finally flew out to see here in February of 2003. Thirteen years later we go on another date, this time to a movie and lunch. She picked. We saw Deadpool, and went to Five Guys Burgers. Have I ever mentioned that I love my wife?

It’s been a long 15+ year relationship for Monica and I. There have been highs and lows like all couples face. But, a large majority of our lows were a product of trying to have a relationship with several thousand miles between us. Since living under the same roof, I can’t probably count on 1 hand the serious fights, and problems we’ve had to deal with relationship wise. Maybe a couple fingers on that second hand might be needed, but not many.

We’ve been blessed to see each other at our absolute highest of points in our lives. We’ve also been near each other’s sides for our lowest of lows. I don’t mean to brag, but I feel like at times I am in the most perfect relationship any one person can hope to have. She is, without a doubt, my perfect match. I’d like to hope I’m the same for her, but I won’t put words in her mouth. But anyone who has known us as a couple long enough, knows how she feels about me.

Honestly it’s quiet scary. I know she gushes over me. I feel her stare at me, lost in her daydreams. I can’t feel it exactly, but I know she’s constantly watching everything I do, and worried about every step, and scrutinizing every expression on my face. She’s worried about me. She always has been. She knows more about me than any one person. It’s hard to explain why it’s scary to be loved that ferociously, but.. it’s a good thing.

In two months, we’ll have been married 10 years. Oh my God. It doesn’t feel a day over 3 or 4. Yet…. So much has happened to us. So much has shaped us into the people we are now. Two growing, amazing, smart, handsome young boys have given our lives so much meaning. We’d be nothing without them. Every good time is a joy, and every bad time is… is… God, so infuriating on multiple levels. Don’t know how I ever lived a day without it in my life.

As hard as it’s been, and through everything we’ve gone through, I can say I love my life. Mostly because of her. Mostly because of Monica. The woman who saved me. The woman who holds me up on s pedestal that I don’t deserve. The woman who thankfully, raises our two great kids into the amazing men that I know they will be. My wife is complete because she’s in it.

I love you Monica.