Know It All

I've never been accused of being a genius.  Perhaps there was some potential there once, don't really know - but I found plenty that I liked in school (including Geometry - it was fun!).  I found college to be easier than high school - not because of the subject matter, but because I had finally figured out that way that I learn best, and I could manipulate whatever was being taught to me, so that I could understand it.  It took me a while to "get" my brain.

One subject that I've always had complete confidence in, and understanding of, is myself.  I know my right from my wrong - and I understand that those ideals are different for everyone.  I know my weaknesses (few) and strengths (many!), and I have learned how to make friends with people that love and support both of those things in me.   I feel love from many places.  This kind of knowledge - a knowledge and love of myself - is one thing that makes me a good wife to Mike.  Before we married (14 years ago today) I KNEW that although life might not always be easy, being married to Mike would be.  I didn't "glide" down to meet Mike at the altar - I RAN! I still remember thinking, on that short journey down the aisle, that I could NOT give him a hug and a kiss.  I had to wait until the end - but I was so happy to see him, and so happy to be there, that had I not kept repeating to myself to not hug him, I would have.  Not making that up!

There was much that Mike and I did not know at 23, but because we knew ourselves so well, we knew that we would be able to live together, respect one another, love and care for each other, and raise a family together.  We knew that we could make a promise to each other, and to God, that we would love each other, for as long as we both lived.  We also knew that we would enjoy married life - and we really do.

I am very thankful to the people that knew me and loved me as a kid - my parents, my siblings, my teachers and my friends - so that I could develop a solid self-awareness, and enter marriage with the right person, and with complete confidence.  I know, and I am thankful that my children are surrounded by lots of family, and our close friends who love them, build them up, watch them grow, and yes even forgive them - so that they will know themselves.  When they know who they are, they will make the choices that will bring them joy.

As I celebrate my wedding anniversary tonight, and I think of my beloved Mike, probably flying right over me, I feel flooded with love.  Someone besides me knows me as well as I know myself.  To be in the company and in the life of someone that truly loves you is the greatest gift of all.  I love you, Mike.  You are the light of my life...(and only you know how the rest of that saying goes - shhhhh!)