'Til death do we part...

The setting was a grassy parking lot in Green River, Utah.  It was early morning.  We shook hands as my 2nd cousin introduced us.  I vaguely remembered the name as my parents used to live in the same town.  He had very striking dark Italian features.  A full beard like an English professor would have.  And he was very quiet.  An intellect is what came to mind immediately.  We were embarking on a near week-long whitewater raft trip down the Cataract Canyon and needed to go check out our waterproof gear in the shop.  While we did that I remember some muttering about a misplaced credit card in an airport.  But other than that, not a whole lot of interaction.  Until day 3.  He was somehow getting on 'my' raft a bit more.  He playfully tossed me off of it a few times.  We started to talk.  And my initial impression was confirmed.  He was super-smart.  He was respectful. Had a serious side.  And quiet.  I wouldn't call it a love at first sight; but an 'I've known you a long time' feeling.  By the end of our venture down the Colorado river, I (well I'm almost feeling like blushing) liked him.  I was at the 'tender' age of 27.  I was actually content where I was in life.  And then there he was.  Not what I was looking for at that point in my life.  But I'm convinced we had guidance without realizing it.

We dated for over two years (if you know the Chairman, you know he likes to do a LOT of research to even buy a toenail clipper).  And then we became a 'happily ever after'.

Now, sixteen years later.  Joys.  Sorrows.  Wonderful memories.  Ordinary days.  But always love.  Always respect.  Always reliable.  And always there when I need him.

Happy Anniversary to us.  We are in it 'til death do we part...