I was busy that day, but not too busy to notice that he wore a navy blue shirt, blue jeans and black Blundstones, and that he held a motorcycle helmet under his arm. And that he had light brown hair and kind-looking blue eyes.
He was an advertiser and wanted to give me, the production manager for the publication I worked for at the time, his ad copy.
He gave me his ad information, but still he was chatty. But I was busy and, being the task-oriented person I am, wanted him to leave so I could get back to meeting my deadlines.
“Be careful out there,” I said, as I tapped his motorcycle helmet with my pen, as a subtle signal to him that I’d like him to leave. “It’s raining.”
“Have you ever been on a motorcycle?” he asked, either not taking my hint or ignoring it. “I could take you out on my bike sometime after you’re done work. When are you off work on Friday?”
“Uh…well, Friday? I…uh…don’t…” I stammered, completely taken off guard. “I get off at 4:30.”
“Great! I’ll come by the office then and I’ll take you out for a ride,” he smiled. “Okay?”
“Oh, um, okay,” I agreed.
We went out that night for dinner at a restaurant that no longer exists. I remember how he leaned in to listen to everything I had to say. I remember telling myself I didn’t care if he liked me or not. I would be completely and unapologetically honest with him and I would not try to be anything other than who I am. If he didn’t like me, it was fine with me, as long as I knew I was true to myself. Our easy conversation touched on everything from our religious views to our life’s ambitions, from the TV shows we like to watch to how we grew up. We ended up talking until 2 am before parting ways.
That was 10-1/2 years ago. And on December 27, 2008, we will celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary.
We don’t talk until 2 am anymore. Although, my husband will tell you that I constantly try to talk to him when we’re lying in bed and he’s just about to fall asleep. When we go out for dinner without the kids, we always end up talking about them most of the time and we always get home by 9 pm, latest. And the motorcycle? We sold it a few months before our first child was born and replaced it with a family-friendly car.
But even though our hearts don’t flutter when we see each other enter the room anymore, we have become each other’s best friend. And I trust him more than anyone. He encouraged me to start
urbanbaby & toddler magazine. He helped me overcome my intense fear of dogs (stemming from childhood). He is the first one to tell me everything will be okay, even in some of our darkest days. And he has bought me a size small bikini (not my size or my style!) for a present because in his eyes, I am beautiful that way.
So, what do I give my husband for our anniversary? I am at a loss. What could I give him that would show him that I appreciate our years together and what he’s been to me? Do you have any ideas?
