When we tell people we've been together for eleven years, there is always an element of concern underlying their surprise. Every 'aww' that we receive feels as if it is wrapped in skepticism that we've thrown away our youth. "How old are you again?"
We must admit that deciding to be together for so long and at such an early age has come with its costs.
Maybe we would have gone to different universities.
Maybe one of us would have never left San Francisco and grown old in that city.
Maybe the other would have traveled extensively and would be nothing more than a Facebook update to the other.
Maybe you would have become a doctor your first time around.
Maybe I would have actually learned Arabic.
The maybes are endless, but despite the hypothetical possibilities that sound fascinating and frankly easier, I know we have chosen the better path. I know you love your romance movies, but have you ever stopped to think that maybe we not only lived one, but are living one?
Two teenagers meet. They overcome the odds of immaturity... distance... bad decisions... tragedies... and life's overall struggles to marry. They go to school together where they share their passions and push each other toward their goals. During this journey, they have a beautiful daughter.
They explore the world - small pieces at a time - together. The cities of Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago have all been called home. Trips to Brazil, various states in America, and countries through Europe have been explored hand-in-hand.
4,269 days have come and gone and there are no regrets. And what no chocolate, or bouquet can ever say is that I absolutely know that better days are ahead.
Here is to us and our chick flick.
