Today

It was a Friday...July 27th, 2001.  Six years ago today.  I was driving a van and this girl who I barely knew was sitting in the passenger's seat.  She was holding a couple of pizzas on her lap...we were taking them back to some hungry hardworkers (ourselves included).  I can still remember the intersection.  Route 38 and Nixon Dr., Moorestown, NJ.  I can still remember the steamy smell of pizza.  We were sitting at a stop light and we weren't saying too much.  We had spent some time together on and off over the previous week or so and in that moment, in that van, there was one of those comfortable silences that passes between good friends.  I glanced to my right and breathed in slowly.  She was sitting there - hot smelly pizzas on her lap - this girl I barely knew - she seemed so happy.  I didn't see it coming.  I don't know what I would have done if I did.  In an instant, everything changed.

Now it's Saturday...July 27th, 2002.  Five years ago today.  I'm a year older, perhaps wiser.  A lot has occured since the intersection.  Tragedy has reshaped America in a way that makes my personal tragedies pale in comparison.  But there has been turmoil for me.  In many ways, I personally have gone through one of the most difficult and emotional years of my life.  Very draining.  That intersection changed everything.  I stand at the front of a church, right before the altar.  I am standing alone.  There are tears in my eyes.  Be Thou My Vision echoes through the silence of the building.  I breathe in slowly, trying to take it all in, trying to stay in the moment.  And I remember that girl.

July 27th, 2001.  I'm sitting next to her in a van at an intersection on a Friday evening, and I look over at her and quite unexpectedly I am hit with the thought, "She's the one.  I'm going to marry that girl."  I didn't see it coming and it changed everything.

July 27th, 2002.  I'm at the altar.  I'm in a tux.  And that girl is playing the piano.  She has handed me her flowers and left me at the altar in order to accompany our soloist on my favorite hymn.  This is a surprise to me.  One of the only surprises that she has ever pulled off.  When she returns to my side, she welcomes back her flowers, and there in that church before God, our families, and our friends, we are married.

Happy 5th anniversary, Jen.  I love you.

Comments

[Benjamin White]

It's July 27th and I'm a little teary eyed too. Great post. Happy Anniversary.

[meggan]

i think you made the right choice.
happy anniversary to both of you and many many more years of five.