Today is our anniversary. He told me the year we met that his birthday had been so awful that he decided to join Match.com so he would have someone to celebrate with next year. I saw his profile shortly after he posted it and messaged him the same evening, it took him almost 24 hours to respond. Given that we only exchanged a couple of messages on the 8th, I didn't think that it warranted "anniversary" status. His argument was either it didn't work and we wouldn't remember or that we knew right away that it was love at first type. As I would come to learn, I didn't always understand his methodology but he was almost always right.
Before we met in person, Antonio read my blog. Not just a few pieces, but every single entry. He researched the things I mentioned in them and thoughtfully talked about his ideas and responses to what I wrote. When he cooked for me, he always made my food and plate first because he liked spice and I didn't. Most meals he prepared for me had hearts in them, whether he cut the salad veggies into heart shapes or the rice was in the shape of a heart, he never missed a chance to tell me he loved me. When I was struggling, he knew by the tone of my voice or look on my face what I most needed, he could read me so well. He knew when to be encouraging and firm and when the only thing that would do was for him to hold me. If I said "I love you" 3000 times in one day, he said it 3001. If I was angry, frustrated, or confused and was impatient or grumpy, he took it in stride and talked me through whatever was causing me distress. He celebrated every single win I had, from awards at work to that last .2 pounds that I needed to lose to reach my current goal. When I was sick, he'd be right there holding my hand, wiping my face, cleaning me up. When my wisdom teeth were pulled, he dripped water in my mouth and gently put Carmex on my mouth so my lips didn't crack. His love made me beautiful. He would sometimes hold my face in his hands and ask me just to look at him, just let him look at how beautiful I was.
Happy heavenly anniversary, baby. Thank you for ensuring there was as much love in six years as there is for most people in sixty. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for being my biggest fan. Thank you for keeping me organized and together. Thank you for making sure each day had smiles and laughter, especially the hardest of them. Thank you for the gift of your rare and precious love. I cannot wait to celebrate us again when we are together. FAAD you are my heart and my love and I am honored to be forever your Chi.
