Anniversary 2015

Dear Barb,

I planned on writing a beautiful poem or some sweet words for our anniversary this year.  I looked at a lot of Hallmark cards and was sure I could do better.  Alas, as always I've run out of time.  So this is the best I can do on such short notice (only 27 years).

Happy anniversary!  I love you more today than that chilly day 27 years ago when I looked into your blue eyes and vowed I would honor and cherish you.  I hope I have done that in ways that have made you happy.  I know that without you I would not be the man I am today.  You have helped me become a better husband, father and person.  For that I am grateful.  Our marriage, this partnership of equals, this blessed union  that we have is sacred to me and I promise to you again that I will be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health all the days of my life.  Please continue to tolerate my faults and be my partner as we watch the children grow into adults and as we make our way to a rediscovery of each other.  As we grow older I am looking forward to enjoying together this family, this home we have created on the foundation of our love.  Happy Anniversary Basia!  I love you.

Spring Reminder

I'm up early as my Sunday morning routine dictates.  As I walk outside to get the paper, I appreciate that the sun is already casting shadows on the lawn.  Its light just beginning to bend around the corner of the house and spill into the front porch.  The newness of the day, with its crisp and clean air lifts my spirit and awakens me to my surroundings. There is a chill in the air, but there is also a promise in the sun's light that this will ease into a warm and cheerful day.  I stop for a moment and gaze across the yards of pastel beige/green grass into the forest of brown, leafless trees and evergreens. I sense that nature is gathering her energy as she prepares to break forth with new life and renewal.  I listen to the to the morning bird songs and feel the slight breeze chill my skin.  These early spring mornings and their late fall cousins always remind me of the times I spent at my Grandmother's house in northern Wisconsin.  As walk back up the driveway toward he house, I pause my morning routine, just for just another moment.  I tell Grandma I love her, I miss her and will always think of her on the cool crisp mornings, when the sun is rising, the birds are singing and the day springs anew.