16 years ago i met a boy. he’s the younger brother of one of my very dearest friends, and we hit it off right away. he’s the kind of boy that would show up at the apartment with his guitar and play for hours. he’s the kind of boy that always wanted to share dessert (or try one-of-each thing on the menu, and share those, too. we gained our “college 15″ together, i’m pretty sure). he’s the kind of boy that really listens, and looks you right in the eye when you speak, and never puts up any stupid macho front. he’s the kind of boy that likes to laugh, and can make me laugh so hard i nearly stop breathing. he’s the kind of boy that likes to listen to music, and sings along and dances when the moment is right. he’s the kind of boy that really pays attention. he’s the kind of boy that is the calm in any storm; when you’re at your very most stressed he is the voice of gentle reason (sometimes maddeningly, zen-ly so). he’s the kind of boy whose biggest dream in life was to be a strong husband and father. he’s the kind of boy who is loyal beyond reproach. he’s the kind of boy with endless patience. he’s the kind of boy who loves with his whole heart. he’s the kind of boy who really sees the best in people.

11 years ago today, at 4:30 pm, in the very same church where my parents got married, i married that boy. it was a beautiful day in every way; we shared it with so many of the people we love most in life, and still feel so honored and lucky to have had such a perfect celebration.

i realize it sounds so cliche, but it’s a wonderful, empowering thing to be married to your best friend. i never have to be anyone other than myself for him. i never have to explain myself. on my best days he’s the first to celebrate, and on my most challenging days, he is the soundboard and strong shoulder that props me up and helps hold me together. he’s an amazing father, a kind and gentle and funny husband. he’s very cute, too, still plays the guitar, and has been known to throw down on a dance floor or two, even as we’re getting on in years… we still share dessert (and those extra 15++ lbs), and we still laugh so hard that my face turns red and tears roll down my cheeks. it’s a wonderful, magical thing, and it makes me a better person every day.

i love you bear. happy 11th anniversary.