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November 16, 2007

On the Meaning of Numbers

10

There's a number for you. Decades are big deals. We celebrate them for all sorts of things, but theyre definitely considered an indicator of longevity.

Today, David and I, as a married couple, turn 10. Ten years ago today, we stood in a judge's living room and promised to make "we" and "us" more important contexts than "I" and "me". In another week and a half, we'll celebrate the 10 year anniversary of our more spiritual wedding ceremony.

It's astonishing to me, the twists and turns our life has taken. Ten years ago today, I would have written you off as insane if you had told me we would be living about 30 minutes from the ends of the earth, David a little more than a semester away from getting his MFA in Playwriting, one national award under his belt, while I taught general education and voice and other even more interesting classes at the local state university and pined for more opportunities to act. And yet, here we are. As we. Not as he and I or him and me, but us. Because if at any time we had not made the big decisions together, the choices to change companies, change interests, change locations, change lives, if those choices had not been made with each of us taking the other's needs and dreams under consideration, there would be no we.

I am so glad there is a "We". I would not be half the person I am without David's steady presence, unqualified support and undying belief in me. Because he has chosen to be here, because he loves me without question or condition, I am a better person. I am more fully me than I could ever have become alone.

Thank you, David, for ten years of following up on and adapting those promises we composed for and spoke to each other in the presence of our friends and loved ones. For ten years of head-butting and laughter and tears and comfort and love. Thank you for loving me enough to marry me twice and for following through on that commitment every single day.

I would not be where and who I am if I were not a part of Us. Thank you for creating that context with me. For creating this life with me. I think I can do pretty much anything, as long as you're with me.

Posted by sally at November 16, 2007 09:31 AM

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