It’s Strong and it’s Sudden and it’s Cruel Sometimes, but it Might Just Save Your Life
I’m back at the laptop on this last official Friday of summer. Got my trusty cockapoo, Sydney, by my side and we’re ready to embark on a great weekend. I took a ride to the store earlier in the week with Sydster. With the top off the car and windows down, my riding companion hurried across the seat to the passenger door. Using her back paws for support she navigated up the door with her front paws until they rested firmly on the lowered window. Sydney never ceases to amaze. She’s up for adventure. Pondering this through a little too long, she turned to me as if to say, “What’s the hold up? Let’s go!”
There’s something about the fresh air on her fur and smells coming from every direction that she can’t resist. Oh yeah, and the attention she gets – let’s not forget that. We rode up and out of the neighborhood and people stopped to look, wave or just comment on the cute little dog who was out for a drive. Sydney has always been outgoing, eager to please and loves the spotlight. She’s been this way the seven years now I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of her life. I met the cutest cockapoo ever on the second date with the most beautiful girl in the world. As Sydney and I drove to and from the store this week, I thought about those seven years. Yikes, how did it go by so fast? I enjoy each and every day in the family we’ve created and one day in particular stands out. That would be tomorrow.
Tomorrow is my wife’s birthday. She is an amazing woman. A great mom to our dogs. A wonderful sister to her three siblings. A generous and loving to all her friends. A creator of all things delicious and edible coming from the kitchen. Before I met her, my three food groups were cookies, cake, and pie. Now, I’m treated to dishes by Ina, the Pioneer Woman and her mom. Never have cookies, cake or pie tasted so good. Well, some things don’t change. What did change was my life. That may seem like a trivial sentence but it’s the most honest I can be.
Way back in 2007, again where did the time go, I met this beautiful girl. On that first date, the best first date ever, I tried to be funny, charming and entertain her the best way I could. What I did, apparently, was act shy, miss when she was flirting with me and suggest we go for a walk at 11:00 at night with a girl I just met. FYI, that last part is NOT a good idea. Just saying. In my defense, I was having a great time and didn’t want the date to end. Luckily, it never did. I’ve been on an amazing journey and those dates have gone on to include quiet dinners at the Edgewater, noisy Seahawks fans at Century Link, even louder noisier cars and fans at the Indy 500 in Speedway, Indiana. Whether it’s a trip to the store for milk, dinner at Red Robin, or two glorious unforgettable weeks overseas, I still want to – and do – date my wife.
On that second date, I also met the other woman in my life. The little cockapoo Sydney. On that date I brought flowers and a squeaky toy for the ladies. Watch out, fellas. Time does go by fast and as Ferris said, “If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Sydney and I did just that on our drive, and I’m happy to say I haven’t missed it and continue to look forward while keeping an eye on where I’ve been.
If you’re friends with my wife, wish her a Happy Birthday tomorrow. She is the love of my life and I love her more today than the day she took my hand and we were married. To quote Huey, “that’s the Power of Love.”
Happy Birthday Beautiful, I love you!
