So the Old Man is wearing his Angel Cologne that MJ got him for Valentine’s Day. This is not his first Valentine’s Day. It has a strangely satisfying scent. The Day has gained in meaning and significance as the years have passed. MJ and the Old Man will celebrate their 48th anniversary next month. The Day has meaning aided by history. It is amazing how fast 48 years go by. Long days and short years. You know who your friends are and who loves you in the hard times, not the easy ones. Lasting memories are made from the challenges you faced together.

Love is not the syrup that you place on your pancakes. Often, love is saying that you are sorry. Love is being so into another person that you think of them before you think of yourself. It is laughter and tears. It is worry and calm. It is anxiety and peace. Love is a rollercoaster ride.

MJ and I started with little and kept it safe for some time. Two Stars came into our lives called Aaron and Jonathon. They had the dedication of parents who wanted them very much. We were determined to provide them with better childhoods than we had. An ear infection revealed as we watched Home Alone in the theatre. The joy of Christmas and the partner of real life were the modus operandi of our lives.

Relationships are for Tess Trueheart and Dudley Do-Right. Dedication to each other and keeping each other from being tied to the Railroad Track as the locomotive approaches.

Agony results from attempting to fashion a marriage from the vision of Madison Avenue. Forest Gump told us that life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.