(S and I enjoying the sunshine)

Every so often, S will say, “Thanks for marrying me!” or, “Thanks for being with me!”

It’s an interesting thing to say. At first, I was a little taken aback by it. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard anyone say that.
There a lot of honesty and meaning in those words. It acknowledges that I didn’t have to marry him. I could have chosen someone else. It acknowledges the commitment I made to him – to us – and my freewill in it. It acknowledges his happiness and appreciation for our relationship and for me.

It also reminds me of my choices. I didn’t have to, and it didn’t have to be him.

It’s such a simple thing to say, but it means so much. We are two people who have decided we want to be together come hell or high water. That was a big decision – and it’s one we maintain everyday.

It has also made me appreciate more deeply the other people in my life. My family, for instance. I was not adopted, so it could  be argued that my parents didn’t ‘pick’ me. However, they did choose to keep me, to parent me, to sacrifice for me. They didn’t have to do any of that. As I’ve experienced all too often in the last few years, friends don’t have to be friends. Thank them for the impression they’ve made.