Happy Anniversary

Today is the anniversary of our first date. I picked her up at her house, and we went for a walk in the big beautiful cemetery at the end of Piedmont Avenue. We drove around for awhile first, and she had a big stick that she kept using to swipe at trees as we drove by them. I thought this was so cute and tomboy-ish. Then we walked around and talked and talked.. and talked. She asked me what I thought about alchemy. I told her I didn't know... I thought it had something to do with turning lead into gold, but I didn't know anything else about it. I thought, what an interesting person... what an unexpected question. I didn't know that it was an area of deep interest to her, nor that I would find it fascinating, and that I would find out more about this rich and powerfully symbolic area of study as I watched her work on, and proofread, her (amazing, brililant, insightful, powerful, original) dissertation. It was just a small example of how Terri (that's "Doctor Terri") is unexpected in wonderful ways.

Terri is the best person I know. Hands down. She is also an extremely mischevious imp. The combination of stellar human being and incredibly funny prankster is irresistible. How could I resist? I couldn't. She captured my heart and I'm thrilled. When I met her, I knew she was someone special. I had no idea how special she would become to me. But now I can't imagine my life without her. Sweet, charming, funny, smart, insightful, kind, generous, cozy, deep, loving... she is all these things, and so many more. I completely adore her, and I'm so glad I went for that walk in the cemetery. She turned that date into gold. And created something amazing: love.

Terri, my sweetie: I love you. Thank you for these years of love, support, pranks and laughter, and for sharing that best thing of all -- yourself.