7 Years

A few days ago (on February 17th to be exact), Gary and I celebrated our 7th year dating anniversary. Well, we didn't really "celebrate" like we used to before we were married.

I have to admit, I was pretty impressed when Gary called me that morning and I asked "Do you know what today is?" and he responded "I will always remember the first day we started dating".

Gary and I had a conversation about our first date, our first kiss, our first...you know. Anyway I have really been thinking about these past 7 years. How at one minute it seems as if 7 years has flown by and really 7 years isn't THAT long of a time. I also think the next minute that I don't remember a time without Gary and how 7 years is a heck of a long time to be with someone.

I started to think about my mom and dad and how their marriage only lasted for 7 years. Not only did their marriage only last for 7 years, but they didn't know each other very long before getting married. They pretty much only got married because someone really special was on the way (me! me!) They are two totally different people and my dad had a LOT of problems drinking, gambling, not paying bills etc.. Finally my mom couldn't handle it anymore and we started having weekend visits with my dad.

Even though I spent most of the next 5 years wishing and hoping mom and dad would get back together, I eventually realized that the divorce really was the best decision. They really don't have anything in common and I can't even picture them being together in the first place. My mom and dad are now both re-married and have better partners that fit their personalities. My dad is a different person now. Ever since the divorce he has been in AA (Almost 20 years). He works two jobs and has gotten a college degree. He is a completely different person that the stories I hear my mom tell me. She still can't get over his "old ways", which I understand, because that is who she knew.

I am really glad that Gary and I do have so much in common and how we seem to click together. We complete each other and even after 7 years, we are still going strong.

I really hope that I can say that exact comment in about 20 or 30 years from now!!