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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

You're Still The One

He didn't ask what I was thinking, he asked what I was going to write. He knows that I now bravely write slices of life.   

As we were riding our worn out ol' bikes over a worn out ol' rail /bike trail the other day, I was thinking. It was a long ride and so I had a lot of time to think. This sharing your life and the commitment of a long-term relationship  is challenging and yet among the most amazing relationships. We could not have envisioned this journey when we were at the beginning of the path all starry-eyed and eager. There have been two, very different careers that have ebbed and flowed at different times (perhaps that is a good thing). There are two very different families, whose needs and challenges have ebbed and flowed at different times (perhaps that is a good thing, too).  There are two very wonderful and different offspring whose needs and wants have ebbed and flowed as they have launched into their own spheres of the universe (a good thing).  There are differences in opinions and differences in desires, some small and some huge.  Sometimes, we are strongest together when we're doing what fulfills us individually.  It's joy-filled and empowering weeks solving problems and enjoying life - together.  At times, it's frustrating and exhausting weeks when we long to just run for the hills.  It's sunshiny-wonderful moments and moments of grueling difficulty.  Some days, you are at the top of a glorious mountain and other days you are at the bottom of a huge well.  Sometimes, you just have to agree to disagree knowing that time will make whatever the issue less significant. There is something wonderful that fills your deepest crevices with happiness and something no human can image when you promise, "I will."    There is something pretty special about the thoughts that bounce in your head while reflecting about the bumpy journey on a rocky trail!  There is something amazing about how dripping with sweat and with dirt in every crevice, your mind is quietly singing along...

6 comments:

Linda B said...

I've been married a long while, too, Anita, & I loved your writing today-you captured it just right! I loved those final two lines, a couplet that says all you need to say. And I liked "your mind is quietly singing along". Thanks!

Anonymous said...

What an apt comparison between a bike path and a relationship journey. Your words are just right to portray the thoughts and feelings we run across along the way.

Amanda Villagómez said...

What a powerful post! I especially enjoyed the last lines, making an already moving post even more so. I am glad that you had time to reflect while on your bike ride.

Amy Rudd said...

I think it's perfect that you were reflecting on the bike ride...and the parallels of your journey as a couple. Hope you have more smooth riding ahead!

Michelle said...

What a perfect comparison and I'm glad those thoughts 'bumped' in your head on your journey! My hubby and I will be celebrating 9 years on Thursday -- and I'm with you every leg of that path. Ups and downs. Bumps and smooth travels. A great balance with lots of good timing. I laughed at your idea of agreeing to disagree. I say a sign that said, "I'll agree to disagree, but then we'll both be wrong." :)

Thanks for checking in on me too! I appreciate you kinds words and thoughts!

Stacey Shubitz said...

When we can travel through life with someone else, and accept their wonderful traits and the ones we wish we could change, then we know we're in it for the long haul. I really liked the comparisons you drew in your writing. It held me from beginning to end.