11 years

Mike and I met 11 years ago in Athens on September 13. We walked along the Hocking River and went out to dinner at Bob Evans. I was 17 and he was 20. Thinking back to how young we were I am amazed at how we have grown up together. It was not love at first site, but a great friendship that grew into love, and has lasted now for all of these years. We have been together longer than some people that have already married and divorced.

We were talking the other night about our 7th anniversary in a couple of weeks and the "7 year itch". Is it from 6-7 that things are supposed to be bad or from 7-8? I hope it is 6-7 for us because this has been one heck of a year. All things relative it could always get worse but lets hope it does not.

Mike, I know you read this.... first let me thank you for putting up with my spoiled selfish ways, always encouraging me, and being my best friend, closest confidant, and my love. Thank you for always being yourself, being kind to others, and being the man that I love. We have seen how the loss of your love takes a toll on a life. I hope that we have many more years to grow, and grow older together. It may not always be that butterflies in the stomach kind of love, but love none the less. Always know that my heart belongs to you.