Someplace Wonderful

Eleven years ago, we got married for the fourth time.

That sentence sounds like the setup to a joke, and honestly, we’ve both earned the right to tell one. We’d each learned a few things along the way—some the easy way, some the “well, that was a choice” way.

By the time we met, we’d both been around the block a few times. But we met at just the right time. When we fell in love, it was just us, full of hopes and dreams and a world of possibilities. I didn’t know exactly where those dreams would lead, but I had a feeling that as long as I was with you, I’d end up someplace good.

We both feel blessed that our paths crossed when they did. Maybe God sent us. Maybe we’d finally learned enough to recognize our best friend when we found them. Either way, it has been so right.

We’ve raised kids, weathered the usual bumps, and now that we’re both retired, we spend a whole lot of time together. Happily, it turns out he still likes me even when there’s no workday to separate us. Most days.

Last year brought the biggest hurdle yet: cancer. He was there through all of it—steady, loving, and right beside me, even when I’m sure I wasn’t the easiest person to be beside. I don’t have fancy words for what that meant. I just know I never had to face it alone.

Eleven years in, I’m still grateful I get to do life with my best friend. Apparently, the fourth time really was the charm.

Happy anniversary, Richard. I love you. As long as I’m with you, I’m someplace wonderful.

-Pattie