Half Life
I know, you’ve seen this picture before. I do like it, though, and gosh, we’re so young way back then, huh? I was thinking the other day that this is our 22nd year together. Our first date was December 12, 1987. Then I realized, I’m turning 44 in a few weeks…which means, I’ve been together with Ted for longer than we were apart. More simply put, he and I have been together for over half of my life thus far. How can that be? How can I be that old? Kinda strange. But when I look in the mirror, and see that I’m not that fresh faced, wrinkle free girl anymore, I guess it’s not so shocking.
The wonderful part is that I sometimes feel like that was just yesterday. And other times, it seems like we’ve been on this long journey together, and here we are, on this path going forward…and still in love with each other, still enjoying each other’s company, still wanting to see each other, talk to each other, spend time with each other. For over half of my life now. Wow.
Little did I know, on that date in December, that this would be the man I fell in love with, lived with, married, moved across the country and home again with, had a baby with, raised a child with. The man I’m looking forward to growing old with. That this would be the man I would turn to in times of joy and sorrow, for support and celebration both. All I knew was that he was very handsome, funny, and genuinely nice. I feel so blessed to have spent this half-life together sweetheart. Thank you for loving me.
19 Comments
Nance
Oh, I know just how you feel! It’s so comforting, isn’t it? To have that history as a foundation? I remember when that milestone hit, and thinking, “I’ve now known Rick longer than I haven’t known him.” It just felt so satisfying. Congratulations! In this age of disposable relationships and a divorce rate of higher than 50%, it’s very good to know that we’ve done this right.
CG
You are lovely Jules. Wrinkles are laugh lines which means you are a happy person. CONGRATULATIONS!! Love Ted-E s hair!!!! :))
Gina
Awww, you guys are great! Congrats you two!
Michelle at Scribbit
You look so great in a sari. And who knew mullets had made their way across the Pacific? 🙂
Congratulations.
Starshine
What a wonderful post! Congratulations on your 22 years together!
I remember you writing in a previous post about a sweet and supportive thing Ted said to you the day you were going to meet your Dad for the first time. That was before you were even dating, and he was even supporting and encouraging you then! Great guy you’ve got! (And a wonderful woman he’s got, too!)
caninecologne
Congratulations – that’s wonderful that you have been together for 22 years!!!!
Autumn's Mom
As I said Saturday, thanks for spending your anniversary with us! haha You guys are a wonderful couple, and I’m so happy to know you. I can’t wait til I have 22 years under my belt!
Linda Atkins
What a lovely photo of you both. Ted is indeed handsome! How amazing and wonderful that he also turned out to be smart, nice, funny, a great husband, a great father … You both are very lucky in love and I am glad!
ML
Awwww, that made my eyes misty. I remember you two like that together – such a cute couple. Time passes, but it gets so much better.
Wendi
I can’t wait to reach that point with someone. Where I’ve spent more than half of my life with that person. Congratulations. I LOVE the picture.
Jimmy
You guys have done good!Congrats to ya both. Tell Ted, I remember when I used to have hair?
dadwhowrites
Fabulous picture! Supermum and I are past 18 years now which also shocks us both…
Karen MEG
Julie, this was such a wonderful post! I love that picture.
In a lot of ways, when you describe your relationship, it reminds me so much of my own with Ian. And his hair wasn’t too far off from Ted’s in the 80’s either:)! But you two are very, very lucky to have the relationship and the love that you have, and a special bonus with your beautiful daughter.
Congrats to you and Ted, and here’s to another great 22 plus years together. I had my first date with Ian over 23 years ago and I was 20 when I met him – so I’ve known him MORE than half my life. Gulp.
OmbudsBen
Add my congratulations to both of you, Julie and Ted; it is a lovely picture!
I hope the holidays are going well for all of you.
Anna May Mangan
Your photograph is lovely – it says we should all believe in love.
This is my first visit to your blog and I really enjoyed it.
Anna May Mangan x
ybonesy
Congratulations, you two. You are beautiful in the pic (both of you), and you look so happy. Here’s to many more happy years together.
C
I love this post, J! You are both so gorgeous! This post got me all choked up! I will never tire of all the beautiful posts you write.
apathy lounge
You’re both so gorgeous that it makes my eyes hurt!
Wanderlust Scarlett
I haven’t seen this photo, but it is wonderful! What a beautiful couple.
Happy Anniversary then, and countless more to come!
XOXO
Scarlett & Viaggiatore