Six years ago when we started dating, Annie described a relationship to me as not being another thing on "the plate" but rather the dipping sauce in which everything on "the plate" is dipped into making it taste better. Her comment completely changed the way I thought about love and was the beginning of my fascination with the depth of love.
I remember when the president of my college was retiring and gave his goodbye speech, even though there were 1000 people in the audience, he spent the whole time looking at his wife of 40+ years and by the end his eyes were filled with tears.
Then I watched John Nash's speech in A Beautiful Mind and it challenged my assumptions about logic vs. emotion and head vs. heart. "It's only in the mysterious equations of love that any logical reasons can be found." Wowzers!
I've known Annie and Tom for quite a while, but we really got to know each other on a trip to Europe for an scholarly-type conference. On my years here on planet Earth I've had the pleasure of meeting a handful of couples - married or dating - who seem truly happy and, well, "good together" - far too FEW good couples. Annie and Tom are just such a couple. From when I met them to hanging out together long after, there is a light in their eyes that's fun, excited for the future, content with the present (but not too much so), and most definitely in love with each other, in love with their futures, and in love with what a good life might truly bring. (Besides that, I think I gave them pocket money or breakfast or something once - and they SHIPPED ME BOOKS in exchange! Some of Annie's great college texts and Tom's great motivational books - Ya GOTTA LOVE THESE TWO ; ) So HELLO TOM AND ANNIE AND FAMILY! What you've found and built upon is a real pleasure to be around! I look forward to seeing you soon. BEST WISHES in the contest : )
Posted by: tim2cb | 01/04/2009 at 10:41 PM
Hello Annie, My late sister, Shaelly Beth, got Lupus when she was 19 and had many of the same thoughts you had about not being sure to marry and have a relationship with the disease... She was a woman of strength, courage, and love like yourself. I wish you and your husband the best of luck in your life and for remission for your Lupus indefinitely.
Posted by: Michelle Holcomb | 01/04/2009 at 10:35 PM
How sweet. It is heart warming to others who are still looking to know that this kind of thing still exists and is possible. I'm really very happy for the two of you, knowing that no matter what happens, you've already won. :) "You are what you love, not what loves you." -Donald Kaufman
Posted by: Megan | 01/04/2009 at 10:27 PM