Five years ago today I reluctantly agreed to go out on a date with you. Even though it was a typical date, dinner at Fridays and a horribly, boring movie – The Phone Booth, it turned out to be the best date I had ever had. I remember how I couldn’t stop smiling the next day as I relived the outing with Ivette. She giggled at me and said, “You are going to marry this guy.” My response, “Pish!”

Four years ago today you proposed. I know I often say that the proposal was anticlimactic; after all we were on our way to reserve the ceremony location. Thinking about it now I’m glad you asked me. Your actions assured me that you loved me and that you wanted to spend the rest of your life with me.

Three years ago today we made it legal. The day was magical; made all the more special by all our family and friends who came from far and wide to celebrate our union.

So here we stand, five, four, three years later. Who knew my reluctant agreement to go out with you would lead to a lifetime of happiness. Even though it has been five years, I still look back at our first date with fondness and smile every time I think about how much fun I had enjoying the simplicity of the moment. Life has thrown us curve balls but we have handled them and our life is much richer because of it. You are the source of my strength. You give me courage to face the unknown. You keep me optimistic when things don’t go my way. You make me laugh with your goofy ways. You light up my life even in the darkest of days. YOU are the love of my life.

Happy anniversary to my beloved.

A “small” souvioner of our love.