32 is my favorite number. (My Nannies old address)

Being ‘next’ is my favorite place to be. (Anticipation)

31 is the day I’m getting married – with my love waiting for me in his moms gazebo.

30 was the table I sat at last night – without him.

I was having a very ‘I miss my love’ day yesterday.  I mean, I do everyday, but it was extra palpable yesterday.  Visceral.

Had a Chamber of Commerce event last night.  A couple came over to our company’s table, newly engaged … there were congratulations and smiles – she flashed her ginormous engagement ring and I remember thinking, ‘HOW is she going to do laundry without snagging something on that??’  lol. I’m not into the ‘bling’.  It was pretty, but – I prefer sentimental and subtle.

But, I have to admit, I felt – (while happy for them) so … left out of that celebration.  Don’t get me wrong.  When Jim posted our engagement on Facebook, so many important people offered their love, their pleased shock and their joy for Jim.

A few offered their congratulations to both of us.  That was sweet, and meant so much.  I was just so happy people were happy for HIM!

Truly.

I awoke this morning, after my unedited admission of missing my love, to amazing words from him.

He gave me joy, patience and once again, confirmations for the reasons I love him.

Then this:

And his words that accompanied it:

“Found it, after weeks! 1990 and still current.”

That was not my undoing – the ensuing comments were.

“It’s been a long crazy 25 year voyage babe! Bless you for finding me, and never giving up after two plus decades.”

Then:

“Jim.  This brings tears to my eyes.  Great sketch of your bride to be.” (From a family friend, who will be our wedding photographer.)

Then my son chimes in:

“That’s amazing!”

Jim: No, You’re amazing!

Nic: No, my baby goblin (that’s a D & D reference) and you are amazing!

Jim: Pickles! Now!!!

I was laughing and had tears in my eyes at the same time.  Those dorks are my favorite people.

And I get to marry the man who drew the picture I didn’t know was me.

See HERE

Click on that, then come back.

Here’s the deal.

I have loved.  As much as I was capable of loving.

I did not know, however, that I was capable of loving someone THIS much.

I’m 45.  I’ll be 46 in May and I found my true love – who was 25 years away.

(Yes, dammit, I’m aware I’ve unintentionally rhymed a whole lot lol)

When Jim and I had our week – it was nothing like anything I’ve experienced.

It was comfort – serenity.  I didn’t bite my nails – I didn’t feel like I had to constantly be DOING or BEING.  I just … was.

And I was a better me.

A happier me.

And my son adored him and that made it the most special time.

Moms, if your kids don’t dig your guy … run!  Run SO fast!

But he’s not a kid anymore.  It’s March (the longest month that will EVER be for me lol – Jim arrives in April)

Nic will turn 20 this month.

My baby is growing.

I’ve grown too.

I was so jaded – I forgot the feelings of true love.

I’ve mended my bridges with my sons love – pretty sure she’s the mother of my future grandchildren, and, as I told her – ‘expect them to be total nerds. I will feed them cookies and Star Wars’.

Because I get it now.

It took my son falling in ‘true’ love for me to learn how.

And it took my first love, to come back and show me who.

And for that, I’m so grateful.

I love you Jim.  And I’m so proud to be your bride.