A Life of Joy

Early on in our relationship, Jen and I would send each other letters and packages in the mail. In one of those early letters, she included the poem, To a Stranger by Walt Whitman. It will always make me think of us, and remember those early days where everything was so unclear, yet I knew deep in my gut that the two of us were connected. That I was to see to it that I would not lose her.   

Passing stranger!  you do not know how longingly I look upon you.

You must be he I was seeking, or she I was seeking, (it comes to me, as of a dream,)

I have somewhere surely lived a life of joy with you,

All is recall'd as we flit by each other, fluid, affectionate, chaste, matured,

You grew yo with me, were a boy with me, or a girl with me,

I ate with you, and slept with you --your body has become not yours only, nor left my body mine only,

You give me the pleasure of your eyes, face, flesh, as we pass --you take of my beard, breast, hands, in return,

I am not to speak to you --I am to think of you when I sit alone, or wake at night alone,

I am to wait --I do not doubt I am to meet you again,

I am to see to it that I do not lose you.

Today we acknowledged the anniversary of our fourteenth year as a couple (since our first kiss) and our ninth year of being married. 

The past few years have found our relationship with each other taking a backseat to parenting. I know we still both love each other deeply. And are in love with each other deeply. But I also know that we need to start nurturing our relationship again. I hope that we're able to make that more of a priority this coming year.    

Happy Anniversary, Jen.  I love you.