the one I love

Yesterday, Valentine's Day. The day of love in all the red and pink, frilly sense of it-- fluffy teddy bears, overly iced cupcakes, cinnamon hearts and paper cutout cards. I still remember in elementary school- the paper 'mailboxes' on our desks, "one for everyone or none at all", cartoon character cards and the one mysterious boy in the class who would always sign with a question mark rather than his name. Brandon, I know it was you. The skating at the arena.. secretly my worst nightmare. The girl who grew up in semi-tropical New Zealand during the formative 'learning how to skate" years... could only really timidly, stiffly glide carefully around the rink and hope, hope I wouldn't fall. And hold on for dear life when everyone made those chains that whipped the poor person on the end around the corners at lightning speed. And marvel at everyone else who skated as easily as they walked. And blush furiously the whole way around the rink when I did skate with one boy, anticipating the teasing on the bus home that afternoon. Derek, you were always a good friend, but I'm glad we both found the right person. :)

And now, here I am. 14 years later on Feburary 14. With the one I love.

That morning was a rough one. Tears and frustrations and he held me close and comforted me- "I'm here". And he really is. The trust between us only grows stronger.

A day at home, a day at work. Cleaning the house and gaining fresh perspective and scrubbing away doubts and worries and fears. Blue sky and fresh snow, renewed hope. A big pot of warming winter stew to greet him on the stove.

And when I get home, after walking under the stars in the cold winter night- candles to warm my heart. The taller lit by us 6 months earlier as we vowed to each other- to love and to cherish as long as we both shall live. What does that mean, from day to day? We only learn that more and more as the days and months and if we are blessed with them, years, go by. When the everyday life crowds out the precious moments together, remembering to step back and see the bigger picture. Just like that morning. Learning to let go of trivial things. Looking out for the other and just loving, to LOVE. There is far more struggle and sacrifice and serving and pure, true joy in that word, that verb, that indescribable gift, than I ever knew and will ever know.

The wooing teapot, same one he poured tea with  for me three years ago in Victoria when our love was just a spark. Cake and strawberries and custard- he knows what I like. He knows me.

To be loved and to love in return. Thank you.

where you invest your love, you invest your life.

blessed.